Macro Algae - "to Fatal Morgana thread"

[Mcg180]

Alright, As a newbie and after reading the "to Fatal Morgana for Newbies" thread my head is spinning. I am planning a 210 with an 80 gallon sump and a seperate refugium for Algae etc (not sure what size - any suggestions?). Perhaps I have not done enough research at this point, but I thought the fuge was a good thing, however, there was a lot of discussion about algae issues or traps, if you will, with such a set up in that thread. Perhaps I missed something in the mile long thread, but what is the best way to start up the tank - with the refugium or without and what kind of Algae? I have taken on a number of challenges in my life, but this reef business is becoming very daunting, especially given the differences of opinions.

 

[Fatal Morgana]

>...what is the best way to start up the tank - with the refugium or without and what kind of Algae?

There are many best ways, and for newbies, FWIW,. I strongly suggest you start with tried-and-true methods instead of any miracle or "fool-proof" setups.

I am sure there will be a few good suggestion below, but let me get this started by saying that it is easier to setup a reef tank without refugium, but if you do planning right, it will be better if you started the setup with the refugium in mind so that once you decide to add it, it will not take you much longer to got from step 2 to step 3 than going straight from step 1 to step 3.

Setup the 210 with 80 sump first, and make sure you started with good water parameter. Don't relay on problem getting fixed "naturally" later down the road. Take a look at the reefs.org's library and search previous posts, and if you have specific question along the way, we are here to help. There is no dumb question.

 

[Ben1]

A seperate refugium is a good this for many reasons. I dont believe the general idea there was against the use of marine algae to take up nutrient and export as you harvest it nutrient from the system.

The idea is not to use it in the main display but in a seperate tank, larger the better, so these algaes dont become a nusaince in the display. The refugium also gives a place for various pods to multiply and helps feed the tank is a small way. Reverse lighting a refugium can help stabalize your pH from nightly swings.

Don't expect miracles from this! I always use a protien skimmer, and RO/DI water for top off and water changes. Occasionally I also use carbon in a fludized reactor. This is a great thing to keep around for running any media.

Chaetamorpha seems to be the way to go these days as far as the best type of refugium algae. Search ebay for it.

 

[Anonymous]

Alright, As a newbie and after reading the "to Fatal Morgana for Newbies" thread my head is spinning. I am planning a 210 with an 80 gallon sump and a seperate refugium for Algae etc (not sure what size - any suggestions?).

It depends. Are you going to use the 'fuge mainly for algae growth or to stock 'pods into the show tank? If mainly for algae, go as big as possible in your space. If for 'pods, I advocate as large a 'fuge as possible, but above the show tank so the 'fuge gravity feeds into the show tank. I think you get more/better pods that way, although it is quite possible that most of them will make it through a powerhead with no problem.

Perhaps I have not done enough research at this point, but I thought the fuge was a good thing, however, there was a lot of discussion about algae issues or traps, if you will, with such a set up in that thread.

Sorry if that other thread gave you the wrong impression! 'Fuges are great things. The algae can crash, but it is avoidable.
Remember, no matter what you do in reefing, there is always something that can go wrong, and something you could have done 'better'.

Perhaps I missed something in the mile long thread, but what is the best way to start up the tank - with the refugium or without and what kind of Algae?

Its almost impossible to say what the best is. If I could, I would start it up with the 'fuge in place lightly stocked with cheato. If I had to wait to add the 'fuge I wouldn't worry too much.

/ I have taken on a number of challenges in my life, but this reef business is becoming very daunting, especially given the differences of opinions.

Its not all that daunting, it just seems that way! Get a feel for the opinions and you will begin to condense fact from the vapor on nuance.

 

[Anonymous]

Alright, As a newbie and after reading the "to Fatal Morgana for Newbies" thread my head is spinning. I am planning a 210 with an 80 gallon sump and a seperate refugium for Algae etc (not sure what size - any suggestions?). Perhaps I have not done enough research at this point, but I thought the fuge was a good thing, however, there was a lot of discussion about algae issues or traps, if you will, with such a set up in that thread. Perhaps I missed something in the mile long thread, but what is the best way to start up the tank - with the refugium or without and what kind of Algae? I have taken on a number of challenges in my life, but this reef business is becoming very daunting, especially given the differences of opinions.

Understand completely. To keep it simple look at it this way. in a year you plan to have a tank with a refugium. The only difference really is if the tank is setup with the refugium at the beginning or if the refugium is added later.

My strong recommendation is to start the refugium first, then do the rest. That way you can get the plant life going before any expensive livestock is in the system.

I have heard refugiums should be ~ 30 % or greater of the display. Larger the better. But several have excellent success with smaller refugiums. And it depends also on what is in the display. The refugium can even be in tank for instance.

So let your head settle down. I think you will find reefing is extremely rewarding.

 

[Rikko]

If you're not totally decided on a fuge, build the system with a fuge and just treat the "fuge" as another sump until you decide to act on it. It's much easier to shut a valve and stop using something than to try and plumb in new lines underneath an enormous tank that you've custom installed in your room.

 

[Anonymous]

There are many best ways, and for newbies, FWIW,. I strongly suggest you start with tried-and-true methods instead of any miracle or "fool-proof" setups.

I agree 100%. Once you gain experience some of the diverse topics will begin to make sense. Until then, it's best to go with the basic proven methods.

Starting with a good modern reef book will help. Especially before you buy any equipment.

Ask pointed questions. When considering answers I'd suggest extra credibility be given to experienced reefkeepers whose tanks look like you would like your end-product to look like.

If you read a lot of posts it will become obvious who to listen to. Especially if you combine reading with looking at pictures of their reef.

 

[Anonymous]

I must recommend "The Natural Marine Aquarium: Reef Invertebrates", by Calfo and Fenner. You will learn a great deal about the utility of a properly set up and maintained refugium, as well as the utility of good quality live rock.

Also, I just picked up a tome by Sprung, "Algae: A Problem Solver Guide", which is quite interesting for something so slim.

 

[HClH2OFish]

I
Also, I just picked up a tome by Sprung, "Algae: A Problem Solver Guide", which is quite interesting for something so slim.

Who? Sprung or the book????

Seriously...does that book have any advice on treating cyano in low flow, high light tanks?

 

[Anonymous]

LOL!!! I couldn't speak on Sprung. The book be slim, matey. And yes, it does have advice on those issues, but it appears that you'd have to get a better fix on what kind first. For instance, one is advised to control via herbivores and manual removal (no sheet). Another suggests strong water flow, removal by hand or siphon, and encouraging stronger coral growth through feeding.

 

[HClH2OFish]

Crud...that won't help. It's definite sheet. I can't put other critters in cuz they'll hurt the jellies. And extra flow won't work, as that will kill em.
As far as corals, I wonder if adding some mushrooms would help??????

Anyway...I got the problem taken care of at the moment. I siphoned out all the jellies I could find (only got 8 of em now) I removed as much of the cyano as I could and gave the tank/sand a good cleaning. Things look much better. The cyano was really forming on the softer white sand I had added...was avoiding pretty much all of the Caribsea in it.

Thanks though!