Which Refugim? Why?

[Tennyson]

So I have a Carbon Filter, its very large and clunky, and it takes up alot of space in my tank. I am starting to wonder if a carbon filter really does anything good in a reef tank with a good protien skimmer. What do they do that makes it necessary to have?

Well if carbon filters aren't worth having in a tank, I think I would rather have a refugim. What are the differences between the two, and are there any that are really small? Maybe 4 inches across to fit between the tank and wall?

All replies are appreciated. Thanks

[Tennyson]

Anyone?

[bdepp]

Hi Tennyson,

i run carbon in my canister filter. I use it to polish the water and remove that yellow tinge. I know alot of people run these in phosphate reactors that can hang on the back of your tank. take a look at the 2 little fishys reactor. they are small.

If your skimmer is running well and you dont have the yellowish tinge. you don't have to run carbon.

I would recommend a refugium. reef octopus make a hang-on-back version that is very small and probably perfect for your situation. I'm sure you can get something similar in the US.

this is going to help you with more filtraton if you keep macro algae in it because it will remove nutrients and other polutants like phosphate and generally makes your tank more of an eco system.

remember, more filtration is good



Depp

[Tennyson]

You mentioned that they remove phosphates? Will they remove anything else like nitrates? Thats my only problem and it would be great if it did that too. I plan to use this to raise my pod population.

What algeas are recommended to house pods besides chaeto?

Do fuges need a deep sand bed? And do all come with a light?

Thanks, sorry for the huge question load, I don't have much of a clue as to how these do and work. I think since I already have a pretty good skimmer, my loud large filter won't be necessary.

Thanks

[RichConley]

Originally posted by bdepp
Hi Tennyson,

i run carbon in my canister filter. I use it to polish the water and remove that yellow tinge....
If your skimmer is running well and you dont have the yellowish tinge. you don't have to run carbon.

my sentiments exactly. If you need to run carbon, generally you've got a skimmer thats not running well, or is undersized.

[Tennyson]

So what specific Refugium would you recomend for a tight space? One that I plan to use to increase my pod population and put algea in, and some cleaner clams, and any thing else useful.

And what algeas are recommended to house pods besides chaeto?

thanks

[ZURCSREEF]

What size tank to you use? This will help us determine what size refugium/reactors you will need for your specific setup.

I personally run a sump/fuge, with a phosban reactor for phosphates, and another phosban reactor, but with carbon in it and run a skimmer. I do believe the mixer of these products do help keep my tank water clear and free of organic polutants and algae.

Canister Filters can be messy hence the reason I use the phosban reactors, there very affordable and easy to clean / change out media.

I run this on my 30g zoa/sps reef and the water is always clean and clear, all the corals look great and coraline is flourishing (I add two part bionic daily as needed).

HTH,
-Mike C.

[ZURCSREEF]

Oh and as far as algaes, I run a mix of chaeto and mangroves.

[Tennyson]

Wait, I have no idea what kind of media that is besides the carbon. So is there like some sort of compartment in refugiums to put in media? Could you list the most necessary media, the only param problems I have are nitrates. And can all of it be mixed together in a media bag and put in the refugium?

And can I add copepods to the refugium every 2 weeks to help the population grow, anything else I could add to get more things living?

I have a 46 gallon bow front tank. There is around 4-5 inches or space in the back of the tank (between the tank and wall)

[Tennyson]

Ok, I am still wondering about the Q's in the previou post, but anyway, I have been looking for one on ebay, and found one that looks ok, the dimensions will fit in the space I have behind the tank. Does it seem good?

Heres the link to it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MakeTrack=true

And is there any recomended media like I asked previously?

Thanks

[TellyFish]

Shouldn't need any media for the refugium... and the pods will produce on their own given time. There are things you can do to improve their reproductive rates like feed green water, lighting, etc...

[Tennyson]

OK, so is the refugium on that link ok/suitable for my 46 gallon tank? Is there anything else better I could buy?

Thanks

[Mykel Obvious]

Hey Tennyson,
Ok, so as an 8th grade student, I'm guessing your funds are limited a bit... my suggestion is to stop where you are and read everything you can find on saltwater tank setup... the fact that you have freshwater experience is good, but there are several things you need to know that are different between the two types of system.

Here's a good place to start reading:Wet Web Media

Feel free to ask here as well... the only dumb question is the one that you didn't ask

As to Hang On Tank (HOT) refugiums, CPR makes nice ones... similar to the one you posted from E-bay... cost a bit more, but they are from a known supplier as opposed to some guy who is building them as a hobby... just a thought (Google CPR Refugium to find them)

Good luck on your new adventure!!
later,

[Tennyson]

Thanks, I already know that the CPR ones are the way to go, its just they are so expensive, and the one on ebay is a bit more affordable for me.

And thanks for the links, answered all my questions. But would it still be ok to try out the one on ebay just because its alot less money?

thanks

[Mykel Obvious]

Ok, so without better pictures (he used the same picture for both sizes he sells on e-bay) I'd have to vote no... you just can't tell much from that photo, so you don't really know how it works or what you are getting...

I found the CPR AquaFuge 2 small for under $108 here: Aqua Direct Don't know what the shipping would be...

You can also go with a cheaper light than the CPR... it's pretty, but you are paying about $25 for the nice silver cover...

Here's a 18w that is half the price of the CPR: Jalli 18w Again, don't know about shipping...

the E-bay setup is $91 when you add shipping, but I'd vote for running the filter you have now until you can afford the CPR setup... that way you know what you are getting

If you are handy (or you know someone who is), you could always convert the filter into a mini-refugium until you can get what you want... here's an article about converting a Hagen filter: Hagen Flilter Refugium You should be able to do something similar with any type of hang on filter

Hope that helps,
later...

[Tennyson]

Thanks for all this info.

I like the one from aqua direct, does that come with a lighting fixture already, it doesn't mention any. So would I have to buy a seperate one like the Jalli 18 w? if the aqua direct set up doesn't include a light?

Thanks.

[Mykel Obvious]

The CPR's do not come with a light... the CPR light is about $50, the Jalli is $25 but not as pretty...

[Tennyson]

I think I'll get the silver one since its nicer.

Is this it? Found it on ebay, or is it the bulkier kind?

http://cgi.ebay.com/CPR-AquaFuge-Ref...2em118Q2el1247

Bulkier kind:
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_search...D=207584714011

[Mykel Obvious]

That's it... the 1318 in the Marine Depot link is the same as the one in the E-Bay link... and yeah, they are better looking

[Tennyson]

OK, I'm all set now, It'll be a stretch, but I should be able to buy the CPR fuge and the light eventually.

thanks for all the help and the quick responses.

[Mykel Obvious]

Not a problem... have fun and let us know how it turns out

later