Starting a refugium in the next month..

JingoFresh · 06/24/2014, 04:04 PM

I don't currently have a refugium, but would like to make oneover the next month or two.

I am wondering if there are any drawbacks to putting Cheato, Ulva lettuc, Graciela etc in the DT and moving to the sump I will use as my refugium later on.

The chamber I will be using for my refugium is full of crushed up LR with some actual LR as well. Is this fine to add hermit crabs and such in, or do they need sand?

Lastly, I've become very confused over aquarium lighting...there seem to be some very expensive refugium lights. Is there not just a stick on LED light that will suffice? Would it have to be on a timer?

Thank you.

davocean · 06/24/2014, 04:13 PM

If you have any tangs or other herbivores they may eat that macro if in display, cage it off if you do.
LR rubble and chaeto are all I use, no sand, I don't like sand so close to my return or skimmer pumps.
I don't keep animals in my fuge, especially ones that might eat pods, it is a place of refuge.
As for light, I prefer a plain ol dome reflector from HD and some kind of grow light somewhere in the 5k-65k kelvin rating, the energy saver bulbs are fine, but right now I have a mini floodlight looking thing that is actually a cluster of LEDs, I spent $20 on that, the energy savers are like $5, but I figure the LED one will last much longer and runs slightly cooler.
Ecosmart at HD is the maker of both of those bulbs I've used.

Spar · 06/24/2014, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davocean

If you have any tangs or other herbivores they may eat that macro if in display, cage it off if you do.
LR rubble and chaeto are all I use, no sand, I don't like sand so close to my return or skimmer pumps.
I don't keep animals in my fuge, especially ones that might eat pods, it is a place of refuge.
As for light, I prefer a plain ol dome reflector from HD and some kind of grow light somewhere in the 5k-65k kelvin rating, the energy saver bulbs are fine, but right now I have a mini floodlight looking thing that is actually a cluster of LEDs, I spent $20 on that, the energy savers are like $5, but I figure the LED one will last much longer and runs slightly cooler.
Ecosmart at HD is the maker of both of those bulbs I've used.

+1 to all that.

i put a mantis shrimp in my 'fuge. not sure if he is eating the pods, but he leaves small fish alone (baby bangaii that go down the pipe), so I can't imagine he gets much out of pods. i figure he must do some good in tending to the plants, throwing up debris, etc... not sure really, but I like him!

JingoFresh · 06/24/2014, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davocean

If you have any tangs or other herbivores they may eat that macro if in display, cage it off if you do.
LR rubble and chaeto are all I use, no sand, I don't like sand so close to my return or skimmer pumps.
I don't keep animals in my fuge, especially ones that might eat pods, it is a place of refuge.
As for light, I prefer a plain ol dome reflector from HD and some kind of grow light somewhere in the 5k-65k kelvin rating, the energy saver bulbs are fine, but right now I have a mini floodlight looking thing that is actually a cluster of LEDs, I spent $20 on that, the energy savers are like $5, but I figure the LED one will last much longer and runs slightly cooler.
Ecosmart at HD is the maker of both of those bulbs I've used.

Thanks, you answered all my questions.

My sump is in a cabinet and there isn't anywhere to hang on a bulb...would an adhesive LED light do the same thing, something I can just stick on the wall in the cabinet?

davocean · 06/24/2014, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JingoFresh

Thanks, you answered all my questions.

My sump is in a cabinet and there isn't anywhere to hang on a bulb...would an adhesive LED light do the same thing, something I can just stick on the wall in the cabinet?

No way to screw in a hook or something?(not brass and be careful of glass of course)
If not there are lots of clip on lights that may grab onto sump.
I would not trust any adhesive to stick above water.

JingoFresh · 06/24/2014, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davocean

No way to screw in a hook or something?(not brass and be careful of glass of course)
If not there are lots of clip on lights that may grab onto sump.
I would not trust any adhesive to stick above water.

I could probably fix something up.

I don't have to worry about evaporation getting into the lamp? It will be close, maybe a foot above the water.

davocean · 06/24/2014, 05:38 PM

Not really, they are flood lamp type deals meant for plant growth and fairly resistant.

davocean · 06/24/2014, 05:41 PM

This is what I use, but the squirly bulb energy savers are good too.

Sgt Jonny Cat · 06/24/2014, 07:08 PM

I just got a 7 dollar clip on lamp at home depot with a 6500K CFL bulp. Seems to be working well. I leave it on 24/7 for now...

JingoFresh · 06/25/2014, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spar

+1 to all that.

i put a mantis shrimp in my 'fuge. not sure if he is eating the pods, but he leaves small fish alone (baby bangaii that go down the pipe), so I can't imagine he gets much out of pods. i figure he must do some good in tending to the plants, throwing up debris, etc... not sure really, but I like him!

Do you need special requirements for the mantis shrimp?

Spar · 06/25/2014, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JingoFresh

Do you need special requirements for the mantis shrimp?

Just needs a cave to hide from the light and molt in. I feed him silver sides. Other than that I don't do anything for him. Great personalities!

JingoFresh · 06/25/2014, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spar

Just needs a cave to hide from the light and molt in. I feed him silver sides. Other than that I don't do anything for him. Great personalities!

Do you have a glass tank? Are the rumors of them being able to break glass accurate?

Spar · 06/25/2014, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JingoFresh

Do you have a glass tank? Are the rumors of them being able to break glass accurate?

no, i have an acrylic sump. i've heard that also. man this guy can punch hard, so I have no doubt it is possible. probably some YouTube videos with it.

JingoFresh · 06/26/2014, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spar

+1 to all that.

i put a mantis shrimp in my 'fuge. not sure if he is eating the pods, but he leaves small fish alone (baby bangaii that go down the pipe), so I can't imagine he gets much out of pods. i figure he must do some good in tending to the plants, throwing up debris, etc... not sure really, but I like him!

Do you think it would be ok to put one in a 55 gallon glass DT?

Spar · 06/26/2014, 11:43 AM

Best bet is to post in the Mantis Shrimp sub forum. They will know. Also depends on what species. Some are spearers that won't be an issue with glass. Mine is a smasher species.

dofphoto · 06/26/2014, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JingoFresh

Do you think it would be ok to put one in a 55 gallon glass DT?

Mantis Shrimp is nicknamed the thumb splitter, the retracted claw has the same impact as a .22 caliber rifle so be careful - reg 55 gallon all glass tank can be cracked - stick with acrylic if you really want one FYI they will attack every thing moving in your tank, I have heard tale of them smacking Lionfish when they get nosey

Spar · 06/27/2014, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dofphoto

Mantis Shrimp is nicknamed the thumb splitter, the retracted claw has the same impact as a .22 caliber rifle so be careful - reg 55 gallon all glass tank can be cracked - stick with acrylic if you really want one FYI they will attack every thing moving in your tank, I have heard tale of them smacking Lionfish when they get nosey

he attacks my dogs nose all the time

will only take contact once to teach him not to stick his nose in there!

JingoFresh · 06/27/2014, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dofphoto

Mantis Shrimp is nicknamed the thumb splitter, the retracted claw has the same impact as a .22 caliber rifle so be careful - reg 55 gallon all glass tank can be cracked - stick with acrylic if you really want one FYI they will attack every thing moving in your tank, I have heard tale of them smacking Lionfish when they get nosey

That seems to be very exaggerated, and many species will not do that.

davocean · 06/27/2014, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JingoFresh

That seems to be very exaggerated, and many species will not do that.

Not really, it is true they have an impact rated similar to that of a .22, and I have heard of people getting hit by one, not something you will soon forget.
Can they break glass?
I'm sure they could, though I have never personally heard or seen of it, and reason to do so may not be there.
I would be curious to see someone place food behind a piece of glass to see it happen.
This video has some jokey narration, but it is factual as well as funny, and pretty informative.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5FEj9U-CJM

JingoFresh · 06/27/2014, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davocean

Not really, it is true they have an impact rated similar to that of a .22, and I have heard of people getting hit by one, not something you will soon forget.
Can they break glass?
I'm sure they could, though I have never personally heard or seen of it, and reason to do so may not be there.
I would be curious to see someone place food behind a piece of glass to see it happen.
This video has some jokey narration, but it is factual as well as funny, and pretty informative.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5FEj9U-CJM

But look at the reply of the guy above who has one and mentions the different species and that his is a smasher and wouldn't do that...

dofphoto · 07/06/2014, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JingoFresh

But look at the reply of the guy above who has one and mentions the different species and that his is a smasher and wouldn't do that...

just throwing this out there -- I would assume National Geographic wouldn't lie

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/...-mantis-shrimp

shesacharmer · 07/06/2014, 11:49 AM

This video has some jokey narration, but it is factual as well as funny, and pretty informative.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5FEj9U-CJM[/QUOTE]

JingoFresh · 07/06/2014, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dofphoto

just throwing this out there -- I would assume National Geographic wouldn't lie

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/...-mantis-shrimp

They don't, but there are multiple species, not all equally dangerous.

shesacharmer · 07/06/2014, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dofphoto

just throwing this out there -- I would assume National Geographic wouldn't lie

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/...-mantis-shrimp

JMorris271 · 07/06/2014, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spar

he attacks my dogs nose all the time

will only take contact once to teach him not to stick his nose in there!

LOL

06/24/2014, 04:04 PM	#1
JingoFresh Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 447	Starting a refugium in the next month.. I don't currently have a refugium, but would like to make oneover the next month or two. I am wondering if there are any drawbacks to putting Cheato, Ulva lettuc, Graciela etc in the DT and moving to the sump I will use as my refugium later on. The chamber I will be using for my refugium is full of crushed up LR with some actual LR as well. Is this fine to add hermit crabs and such in, or do they need sand? Lastly, I've become very confused over aquarium lighting...there seem to be some very expensive refugium lights. Is there not just a stick on LED light that will suffice? Would it have to be on a timer? Thank you.

06/24/2014, 04:13 PM	#2
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	If you have any tangs or other herbivores they may eat that macro if in display, cage it off if you do. LR rubble and chaeto are all I use, no sand, I don't like sand so close to my return or skimmer pumps. I don't keep animals in my fuge, especially ones that might eat pods, it is a place of refuge. As for light, I prefer a plain ol dome reflector from HD and some kind of grow light somewhere in the 5k-65k kelvin rating, the energy saver bulbs are fine, but right now I have a mini floodlight looking thing that is actually a cluster of LEDs, I spent $20 on that, the energy savers are like $5, but I figure the LED one will last much longer and runs slightly cooler. Ecosmart at HD is the maker of both of those bulbs I've used. __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

06/24/2014, 05:38 PM	#7
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	Not really, they are flood lamp type deals meant for plant growth and fairly resistant. __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

06/24/2014, 05:41 PM	#8
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	This is what I use, but the squirly bulb energy savers are good too. __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

06/24/2014, 07:08 PM	#9
Sgt Jonny Cat Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: North of Boston Ma. Posts: 685	I just got a 7 dollar clip on lamp at home depot with a 6500K CFL bulp. Seems to be working well. I leave it on 24/7 for now... __________________ In the process of putting together a 150 gallon mixed reef. Ill keep you posted. Current Tank Info: 55 Gallon

06/26/2014, 11:43 AM	#15
Spar Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 2,517	Best bet is to post in the Mantis Shrimp sub forum. They will know. Also depends on what species. Some are spearers that won't be an issue with glass. Mine is a smasher species. __________________ 450g Mixed SPS/LPS Reef (MH/T5/VHO)

07/06/2014, 11:49 AM	#22
shesacharmer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Central NH Posts: 1,241	That is HILARIOUS! This video has some jokey narration, but it is factual as well as funny, and pretty informative. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5FEj9U-CJM[/QUOTE] __________________ 75 gal, LR w/refugium, 79 deg, PH 8.0, sg 1.025, amm 0/nit 0/nit 0, Calcium 420, dKH 8.3, mag 1300, Phos 0 Current Tank Info: A work in progress...