Sump/fuge question

cgray07 · 12/01/2012, 10:24 AM

So I've seen countless threads on this and I'm still really confused :/. What are the pros and cons to having an external fuge rather that one in your sump? Is it just the extra water volume? Also I'm slightly confused on the different things that go into a fuge and their purpose the words still sound like a different language when it comes to the fuge. As much info as you guys can give would be appreciated! Thanks in advance guys!
-Connor

thegrun · 12/01/2012, 01:06 PM

External refugiums are usually usually separated from the main sump do to a lack of space under the tank in the cabinet. It is easier in my opinion to keep the refugium together with the sump if possible.
There are several things people place in their refugiums:
Macro Algae most commonly chaeto. Macro algae removes nitrates and phosphates from the water as it grows and thus reduces their levels in the tank which in turn reduces the growth of unwanted nuisance algae like hair algae. Macro algae also provides a home for pods to grow and multiply which are in turn sucked up the return pump and provide food for your fish.
Rock rock provides additional surface for beneficial bacteria to colonize helping to break down ammonia, nitrites and to a lesser extent nitrates. It also provides a home to pods and other beneficial creatures.
Sand Sand if over 4" deep (deep sand bed) will allow aerobic bacteria to grow which helps break down nitrates. If you don't have enough room in your refugium for at least 4" of sand, I personally would just skip the sand and go bare bottom in the refugium.

cgray07 · 12/01/2012, 02:20 PM

Thank you I couldn't have asked for a better response! Really sums it up for me. One other question, when would it be appropriate or necessary to grow mangroves?

thegrun · 12/01/2012, 03:22 PM

Mangroves are more for looks in my opinion than for any value they bring to your system as they grow so slowly they have little beneficial affect.

12/01/2012, 10:24 AM	#1
cgray07 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Orlando FL Posts: 82	Sump/fuge question So I've seen countless threads on this and I'm still really confused :/. What are the pros and cons to having an external fuge rather that one in your sump? Is it just the extra water volume? Also I'm slightly confused on the different things that go into a fuge and their purpose the words still sound like a different language when it comes to the fuge. As much info as you guys can give would be appreciated! Thanks in advance guys! -Connor

12/01/2012, 01:06 PM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	External refugiums are usually usually separated from the main sump do to a lack of space under the tank in the cabinet. It is easier in my opinion to keep the refugium together with the sump if possible. There are several things people place in their refugiums: Macro Algae most commonly chaeto. Macro algae removes nitrates and phosphates from the water as it grows and thus reduces their levels in the tank which in turn reduces the growth of unwanted nuisance algae like hair algae. Macro algae also provides a home for pods to grow and multiply which are in turn sucked up the return pump and provide food for your fish. Rock rock provides additional surface for beneficial bacteria to colonize helping to break down ammonia, nitrites and to a lesser extent nitrates. It also provides a home to pods and other beneficial creatures. Sand Sand if over 4" deep (deep sand bed) will allow aerobic bacteria to grow which helps break down nitrates. If you don't have enough room in your refugium for at least 4" of sand, I personally would just skip the sand and go bare bottom in the refugium.

12/01/2012, 02:20 PM	#3
cgray07 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Orlando FL Posts: 82	Thank you I couldn't have asked for a better response! Really sums it up for me. One other question, when would it be appropriate or necessary to grow mangroves?

12/01/2012, 03:22 PM	#4
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	Mangroves are more for looks in my opinion than for any value they bring to your system as they grow so slowly they have little beneficial affect.