MJT82
06/04/2011, 10:58 AM
I'm planning the setup of my refugium, and I have about 10 lbs of live rock rubble (2-3 inch pieces) that I am debating on including. Primarily, I'd like the refugium to be a place for microfauna to breed, but nutrient export would be a plus. In the past I have included both in my fuges, but now I am torn as to which direction I want to take... My options include:
1) Rubble only
2) Rubble and chaeto
3) Chaeto only
My thinking is that the rubble may trap alot of detritus and become a maintenance issue, but could this be remedied by increasing the flow and including a slightly elevated "floor" to keep water flow under the rubble and thereby giving detritus less chance to build up. At the same time, the chaeto could provide an area for the microfauna to breed while providing nutrient export. What I'd like to hear is you guy's opinions on what might be the best combination to use and why. What have you done in the past in this regard? I have a 8 gallon rubbermade tub that I have plumbed into my system for a fuge, so I have limited space to work with as well. Any suggestions? Thanks!
1) Rubble only
2) Rubble and chaeto
3) Chaeto only
My thinking is that the rubble may trap alot of detritus and become a maintenance issue, but could this be remedied by increasing the flow and including a slightly elevated "floor" to keep water flow under the rubble and thereby giving detritus less chance to build up. At the same time, the chaeto could provide an area for the microfauna to breed while providing nutrient export. What I'd like to hear is you guy's opinions on what might be the best combination to use and why. What have you done in the past in this regard? I have a 8 gallon rubbermade tub that I have plumbed into my system for a fuge, so I have limited space to work with as well. Any suggestions? Thanks!