Turning a sump box into a "fug"

[beachbumin]

I have a 26 gallon bowfront and was toying with the idea of of converting an old sump box that i have lying around from an old aquarium into a small refugium for my reef tank. Im still a little unsure as to the lighting requirements and specs so i was looking for a little feedback on the subject. I have been thinking of a small deep sand bed for the fug and possibly a little bit of caleurpra but i know that it can sometimes be more trouble than its worth!!! Also if i converted the sump to a fug would i need the bio-balls in the setup or would it be overkill..... any comments on the matter are welcome, you guys always help!! If anyone has pics of a fug buildup for a smaller tank i would love to see 'em. thanks guys!

 

[Coralmushroom]

Nah man you're on the right track 100%. you can find tons of sump pics at http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html I think his 14g sump design is exactly what you're looking for!

JUst keep the refugiums lights on 24/7 and it shouldnt be a problem with macro going sexual.

And you dont need much light at all. a small PC light is all you need. macro grows easy.

 

[beachbumin]

sweet thats what i was hoping for thanks for the site plug too!! Any chance you would know of a good site to get a small pc from??

 

[Coralmushroom]

Try this. they are a sponsor too so no worries.


http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...PA&Product_Code=JALLI13&Category_Code=Special

CM

 

[BBReef]

I wouldnt use the bio balls even without the fuge. especially in a reef setup. they just store too much nitrates. when i first setup my tank, i used bio balls too, but couldnt keep my nitrates down to the levels i wanted. after reading they were most likely the cause, i took them out and just put in some base rock. ive never had any problems after that.

 

[SquishyFish]

As far as lighting, I use a 150watt Grow bulb from Home Depot on my fuge. It works great and its cheap. I was worried at first if the red spectrum would cause nuisance algae growth, but I havent had any problems at all. If your going to put macro's in the fuge, keep in mind that Caulerpa releases a toxin when pruned (which is nessisary for nutrient export). Its a mild toxin, low levels..but its still a toxin. If you go to http://www.reef-aquarium.net, then to the "educational" link and scroll down, there is some information on the different types of Caulerpa and algae's.

Squishy

 

[beachbumin]

thanks for the help guys. what should i start with in the fug?? Ive seen the kits that come with small stars, bristles, and narcissus snails but im not sure if i should immediately put all them in or if i need to let it run for a few weeks with nothing to build up the good stuff. Im thinking im going to use a small ten gallon so that i can get a little more room than the sump tank. any help is greatly appreciated guys 8)