Refugium Area and Size

[themangia1984]

I am trying to manage my sump space and was considering adding a little fuge to it. My question is how big of an area do you need for just the fuge space (sandbed, macroalgae)? Do you need a lot of room for the macroalgae? I have about 16inches long, 10 inches high and 6 inches wide of space that is not being utilized right now in my sump. Will this work? Thanks!!!

 

[themangia1984]

Well I went ahead today an made a mini fuge in my sump

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f20/mini-refugium-115203.html#post975077

here is the posting, enjoy.

 

[melosu58]

Looks pretty good. You dont need alot of space. Just need some adequate lighting.

 

[themangia1984]

Mike,

What do you consider adequate lighting? I just have a 24watt compact flourescent over it since it is such a small space.

Thanks

 

[melosu58]

I have a 194 watt PC over mine. I`m just afraid that`s not enough but I`m not a lighting expert so maybe someone else can help out. I know some folks that use those clip on dome lights and put a higher wattage bulb in those.

 

[Ziggy953]

I would say that is enough light. I have a 20g fuge on my system and it is lit by a single 100w CF (standard screw-in bulb) bulb.

Typically I recommend that your fuge be 10% of your display in volume. You don't want awesome lighting over the fuge you want lighting that will grow algae.

 

[melosu58]

I do want mine to grow algea. Macro algea. LOL