DIY fuge

[project5k]

well?
pics?
:)

 

[BL1]

I know, I know pics pics pics ... I should have some up soon, I am just finishing up the piping (it was slightly more complicated than I thought). I also wanted to know before I start adding water to it, should I put sand or mud in there or is just the live rock necessary. If so, what are the benefits of having the substrate

 

[RIJohn]

I only use small pieces of live rock and live rock rubble. I have heard things about everything though, it really comes down to what you want.

I like the rubble cause it gives the snails and hermits the ability to go around all sides and clean it also adds more filtration.

 

[BL1]

I'm putting LR in there, I'm just trying to figure out if ti's necessary or beneficial to have a substrate as well.

 

[RIJohn]

I couldnt help you there. I have heard some people say that the Mud is kinda overrated. I personally went with no substrate to keep sand out of return pump.

 

[BL1]

The flow should be low enough over my middle section to keep it from blowing around (if I pu tit in that is)

 

[BL1]

Pics

Water should be going in tomorrow, and then once I figure out the substrate thing, LR and chaeto too

 

[RIJohn]

The only thing I would say is to put the light on something else like the side of the tank. Rounded pipe with those clamp lamps may be a recipe for a disaster.

 

[BL1]

I'll be building a case or cabinet to cover it and be mounting the light on it. The light was just there for the pic. Thanks!

 

[RIJohn]

Thats A good idea, just figured I would point it out just case you overlooked it.

 

[dcantucson]

It looks great. As far as substrate goes, it will give more places for your pods to live and grow in addition to cheato.

 

[BL1]

Sweet, exactly what I needed to know!

 

[dcantucson]

Some swear about the benefits of this stuff:

CaribSea Mineral Mud Refugium Substrate 1 Gallon

 

[BL1]

Thanks, dcan ... this would be my next issue. Deciding between mud and sand ... so much research just for substrate for my refug :frustrat:

 

[reeffreak]

I think I read that mud needs to be replace every two years.Sand you would need to add more.I even seen people mix the two.

Personally,I would go with sand.

 

[BL1]

I think I am going to go with sand mainly because of the cost. I spent a few hours reading various sites and from what I've gathered 3-4" of argonite or finer grained sand is considered a DSB, is that correct? If possible I'd like no tto go more than 4" due to height limitations in my sump.

 

[Rcchanlder]

i would go with either sand or nothing. i was planning on having no substrate in mine for a while. but i want to plant some marco in it.

 

[BL1]

Thanks everyone for all of your help and advise! Here's the almost finished project (still plan on making a cabinet for it, mount a light and add some more LR

 

[RIJohn]

Looking good..

 

[Hiker4twenty]

Nice build!