Convert emperor 400 into refugium.

[slitherbomb]

Literally have no room for a separate refugium for my 75g tank, so I'm planning on converting my emperor 400 filter into a HOB refugium.

I plan on putting a few mangroves, and chaeto algae as well as some sand.

How many mangroves should I put? I already found one and I was think 5-10. It has 2 sides, so should I make one side mangroves, and one chaeto? Also should I keep the bio-wheels?

What's a good light for it? Can I use one of those silver reptile lamps that they sell at pet supermarket and those places? What type of bulbs?

Please reply, I need help with this lol

 

[slitherbomb]

I also heard that mangroves consume magnesium, would I need to dose if there are no coral?

 

[Hondatek]

I have a emporer fuge on my tank . Half live rock half cheato algae and I run a home depot swirly 6500k bulb in a clamp lamp for it . It works pretty good

 

[slitherbomb]

Did you have to modify it in any way? Or did you just take out the filter pads and put the lr and chaeto?

 

[Hondatek]

Just took out the pads

 

[slitherbomb]

Do you see a noticeable difference in nitrates?

 

[Hondatek]

Well I can't say it wasn't me removing the pads that lowered it or the fuge itself. It's keeping my fowlr tank at ten ppm . The only thing I noticed when I put the cheato the emporer my skimmer slowed down a bit but I don't know if that means anything either.do I think it helps yes I do but I can't give you a answer with complete evidence.

 

[slitherbomb]

That's a good answer don't worry lol. Thanks.