Mud or not to Mud

[zap99999]

Hi there,

I'm turning my sump into a refugium. It's under a 55 gallon tank and the sump a former wet/dry, with no bio balls. I've rigged the light with a clamp and it's shiming on the left end of the unit with 2 pieces of LR.

For the Macro Alg, I was thinking on Chaetomorpha to pull out Nitrates, but I'd also like it to a place for pods for the fish in the top.

So with the LR, the macro, should I get the mud to? What is the benefit to putting that in it to. The refugium area is about 10x12x10high of water. Is it worth it?

I'm also on a 24/7 light for the fuge, is reverse better?

Thanks for any help:rollface:

Chris

[jer77]

I believe with the mud you should use caulerpa because its roots help to oxygenate the mud and prevent hydrogen sulfide build-ups. Plus you have to change the mud every so often.

[papagimp]

I agree with part of Jer's assestment, caulerpra is used more often with mud because of it's root system, but not for oxygenation reasons. Personally, I don't care for the mud. I've heard enough "hasn't done anything for me" type comments to bother with it. Cheatomorphia will do just fine without it, and if you do use Cheato, you'll need to reverse the light cycle, it does best with a night cycle as well, so no 24/7 on that. If you go with caulepra, then go 24/7 lighting.

[Aquarist007]

the copopods prefer live rock rubble to mud--get some live rock rubble or take a hammer to the big piece you have.

[zap99999]

Ok great :-D I already have the LR in the fuge under 24/7 light. I'll buy the Cheato, and switch the lights to reverse.

Thanks!

[fuzzyt]

Just as a thought, you may want to try using xenia for nutrient export in addition to Cheato. If anything, you might be able to get LFS credit for trade. :)

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-12/reefslides/index.php