Sand Refugium in a BB system?

JustinReef · 08/31/2008, 02:01 PM

I heard someone say it kind of defeated the purpose of a BB set up to have sand in a refugium. I have this and was just wondering why? It makes no sense to me...

mdog3000 · 08/31/2008, 02:33 PM

I also have this kind of setup and would also like to know.

Mattmcf · 08/31/2008, 03:14 PM

I believe it is kind of two-fold. Many people get away from sand because they have heard horror stories of a "DSB Crash". Also when you go BB you are commmiting to upping your nutirient export (via more flow and heavier skimming). the point of having a BB is to keep your detrius suspended in the water column so the skimmer can remove it. This is where a refuge could get you in trouble if you allow all that detrius you have worked so hard to keep suspended a place to settle prior to getting to the skimmer. I would recomend having enough flow in your refuge to keep your detrius moving through the system. Another option would be to have your overflows feed your skimmer then move onto your refuge. If you are looking for the benefits of a DSB in your system why not try a "remote DSB"? Also what i have done is setup a 5 gallon bucket plumbed into the sump with a light from Home depot with a ball of chaeto for extra nutrient export. It seems to be working fine and the chaeto is growing like crazy with the flow (keeps it tumbling inside the bucket like a tumbleweed). Good luck!

plyle02 · 08/31/2008, 03:30 PM

Don't get hung up on the bb advice you get out there, as many know, there are several ways to skin a cat... My previous system was a bb display, 15 gallon sump, and a 20 gallon long dsb refugium. When I added the fuge, my nitrates almost immediately dropped and stayed at 2ppm, down from 10-15ppm without it. My system was very stable, corals were colorful, and I found the fuge to be a major benefit. As stated in previous post, the idea is to keep all detritus from settling as best as possible which somewhat defeats the idea of a dsb setup. I truly believe you can have the best of both worlds....lol...
Good luck!

08/31/2008, 02:01 PM	#1
JustinReef Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 3,715	Sand Refugium in a BB system? I heard someone say it kind of defeated the purpose of a BB set up to have sand in a refugium. I have this and was just wondering why? It makes no sense to me...

08/31/2008, 02:33 PM	#2
mdog3000 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 125	I also have this kind of setup and would also like to know. __________________ If you don't stand behind our troops, please feel free to stand in front of them. Current Tank Info: 125 gallon reef, 55 planted freshwater tank.

08/31/2008, 03:30 PM	#4
plyle02 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lake Helen, FL Posts: 5,526	Don't get hung up on the bb advice you get out there, as many know, there are several ways to skin a cat... My previous system was a bb display, 15 gallon sump, and a 20 gallon long dsb refugium. When I added the fuge, my nitrates almost immediately dropped and stayed at 2ppm, down from 10-15ppm without it. My system was very stable, corals were colorful, and I found the fuge to be a major benefit. As stated in previous post, the idea is to keep all detritus from settling as best as possible which somewhat defeats the idea of a dsb setup. I truly believe you can have the best of both worlds....lol... Good luck! __________________ Perry "Anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die" ~Buddha~ Current Tank Info: 50 Gallon AIO Cube, Aquamaxx WS-1 Skimmer, LED/ Hybrid 4x24 watt t5

08/31/2008, 03:14 PM	#3
Mattmcf Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Orlando Posts: 299	I believe it is kind of two-fold. Many people get away from sand because they have heard horror stories of a "DSB Crash". Also when you go BB you are commmiting to upping your nutirient export (via more flow and heavier skimming). the point of having a BB is to keep your detrius suspended in the water column so the skimmer can remove it. This is where a refuge could get you in trouble if you allow all that detrius you have worked so hard to keep suspended a place to settle prior to getting to the skimmer. I would recomend having enough flow in your refuge to keep your detrius moving through the system. Another option would be to have your overflows feed your skimmer then move onto your refuge. If you are looking for the benefits of a DSB in your system why not try a "remote DSB"? Also what i have done is setup a 5 gallon bucket plumbed into the sump with a light from Home depot with a ball of chaeto for extra nutrient export. It seems to be working fine and the chaeto is growing like crazy with the flow (keeps it tumbling inside the bucket like a tumbleweed). Good luck!