Can I turn this into a refuge?

BIGTEXT · 02/06/2010, 10:04 PM

I have the 20 gallon version of this sump http://www.eshopps.com/reefsump.php?...fcce422c7addc3

If I move my protein skimmer over to the return section could I turn this into some kind of refuge? Is it ok to protein skim after the flow has gone through the refuge?

I really want to increase my copopod population. Would some live rock and a ball of cheato accomplish this? Would I have to remove the sponge that separates the 2 chambers? I'm not sure if the pods could swim through that or not.

Thanks so much RC, I love this place!

lordofthereef · 02/06/2010, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIGTEXT

Is it ok to protein skim after the flow has gone through the refuge?

I really want to increase my copopod population.

You certainly can turn just about anything you want into a fuge IMO if you get the flow right. One problem people have reported is actually skimming out their pods, or at least damaging them, when the skimmer was placed after the fuge. I have always been running a skimmer before my fuge so I can't comment with any personal experience in the matter.

ReefiusMaxiumus · 02/06/2010, 11:19 PM

It's not an ideal setup, but it's likely worth it.

PIPS · 02/07/2010, 02:34 AM

anything can be made into a fuge. just make sure your setuo is skimmer > fuge > return

Ron Reefman · 02/07/2010, 05:51 AM

Some pods would get around the filter but not thru it. And the LR with the macro algae will work good to keep pod numbers up. You should skim before the fuge, but if you don't have the room for a different setup, do what you have to do.

Ron

spleify · 02/07/2010, 10:03 AM

i agree with everything said.

Ideal setup is drain/skimmer section>fuge>return.

Remove the faom, and add rock and chaeto like you want to and you should be happy with the setup.

HTH

Good luck

BIGTEXT · 02/07/2010, 02:34 PM

Thanks so much guys. Just a few more questions and I'll go away haha.

Should I make mountains of live rock in there or just a bit to cover the bottom? What sort of rock do you think would be best for pods? And lastly, Can I put some blue legged hermits down there to eat the detrius that has collected?

bertoni · 02/07/2010, 05:02 PM

The hermits would prey on the copepods and amphipods, etc, but otherwise are fine. I think live rock rubble would support the highest number of small animals, but it might trap a lot of detritus. I just skipped the substrate in my refugium, but added a couple large pieces of live rock. A macroalga will provide a home for a lot of small animals, too.

02/06/2010, 10:04 PM	#1
BIGTEXT Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 59	Can I turn this into a refuge? I have the 20 gallon version of this sump http://www.eshopps.com/reefsump.php?...fcce422c7addc3 If I move my protein skimmer over to the return section could I turn this into some kind of refuge? Is it ok to protein skim after the flow has gone through the refuge? I really want to increase my copopod population. Would some live rock and a ball of cheato accomplish this? Would I have to remove the sponge that separates the 2 chambers? I'm not sure if the pods could swim through that or not. Thanks so much RC, I love this place!

02/07/2010, 10:03 AM	#6
spleify Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 9,579	i agree with everything said. Ideal setup is drain/skimmer section>fuge>return. Remove the faom, and add rock and chaeto like you want to and you should be happy with the setup. HTH Good luck __________________ Make it a Great Day!!!! Current Tank Info: 60 gal SPS cube, with 25 gal refugium, 400W MH, DIY Lumenarc III, DIY skimmer, DIY stand and canopy. 40 breeder LPS with 40 gallon sump, DIY stand, 250W MH

02/07/2010, 05:02 PM	#8
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	The hermits would prey on the copepods and amphipods, etc, but otherwise are fine. I think live rock rubble would support the highest number of small animals, but it might trap a lot of detritus. I just skipped the substrate in my refugium, but added a couple large pieces of live rock. A macroalga will provide a home for a lot of small animals, too. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

02/06/2010, 11:19 PM	#3
ReefiusMaxiumus Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 79	It's not an ideal setup, but it's likely worth it.

02/07/2010, 02:34 AM	#4
PIPS Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Pinole, CA Posts: 70	anything can be made into a fuge. just make sure your setuo is skimmer > fuge > return

02/07/2010, 05:51 AM	#5
Ron Reefman Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cape Coral, FL Posts: 10,431	Some pods would get around the filter but not thru it. And the LR with the macro algae will work good to keep pod numbers up. You should skim before the fuge, but if you don't have the room for a different setup, do what you have to do. Ron

02/07/2010, 02:34 PM	#7
BIGTEXT Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 59	Thanks so much guys. Just a few more questions and I'll go away haha. Should I make mountains of live rock in there or just a bit to cover the bottom? What sort of rock do you think would be best for pods? And lastly, Can I put some blue legged hermits down there to eat the detrius that has collected?