Refugium...should I add sand???

[Reefer2727]

I have a refugium in my 33 gallon sump. I am wondering hat I should use if anything for a substrate?

I see alot of sumps bare bottom and perhaps this would easier. The plan is really just to have some cheato for now.

Is sand that critical or does it cause more trouble than its worth?

Thanks

[cardiffgiant]

My experience is that substrate in the fuge causes trouble. The chaeto (which few people manage to tumble) restricts flow, and traps detritus Detritus then sinks and can quickly exhaust a sand bed.

I run my fuge without substrate, and find that I need to occasionally use a powerhead or turkey baster to clear out sediment from the bottom. I had one with a sand bed previously, and I feel like my current configuration performs more effectively.

[Reefer2727]

You have cheato?

[pmrossetti]

IMHO, no substrate, just the algae is what you need for nutrient export and pods. A few small pieces of live rock wouldn't hurt. :)

[jenglish]

If you want a macro that needs sand it has it's uses. For just chaeto... it only adds trouble IME.

[wetWolger]

no sand in my fuge

[luther1200]

I added a SB for Denitrification. Since I have a SSB in my DT, I have a 3"-4" SB in my fuge and my NO3 dropped from 20 to 2-3 after adding the sand. And if I want to ditch the sand its easy enough. But I clean it with a gravel vac about once a month to get the crud out. And I think its beneficial in my system.

[goochesfish]

I have Fiji mud and when the chaeto tumbles the mud kicks up into the the DT. Now I have silt on my sand in the DT. When the mud exhausts itself I may not replenish it.

[xmjxflipx]

i just have a 4 inch sandbed where my chaeto goes.....