New setup. What to put in the sump?

[Str8Down]

I have a new 125 setup that is going to be both fish/Live rock and Some coral. Right now I have the big marinepure block in the wet/dry (created a partitioned off area for low flow). I think I am going to remove the bioballs before kicking off my cycle. What else should I put in the sump? DSB? Miracle Mud? Etc. I would prefer to not have to have lighting undertank, so growing algae is out. Any suggestions appreciated.

[scooter31707]

I have return pump, skimmer, heater, GFO reactor, and live rock in my sump. I have a separate refugium.

[4Hummer]

Water

[Str8Down]

Super helpful, thanks.

[scooter31707]

Water

Good One!! I guess that would be the main ingredient huh!!

[ktownhero]

I have my return pump and skimmer. I moved my heaters to my overflow box because I found them annoying in the sump. I plan on sectioning off my skimmer and adding some live rock and chaeto.

[75mixedreef]

Why are you against a light in the sump? You can grow algae, scrubber or macro, with just a CFL bulb or similar so it doesn't cost much. It is pretty easy to do too. If it is light bleed then there are ways to fix that too, I find foam insulation tape to be rather effective and easy to use. I'm just not sure on why you are against the idea when there are so many benefits to growing algae.

[Str8Down]

I guess I assumed it would have to be an expensive grow light. If I can just use a standard LED lamp bulb, I would be up for it. Does Caulerpa or chaeto need a substrate to attach to?

[ktownhero]

I guess I assumed it would have to be an expensive grow light. If I can just use a standard LED lamp bulb, I would be up for it. Does Caulerpa or chaeto need a substrate to attach to?

You don't need an expensive light at all. Most people use the cheap clip-on work lights from Home Depot with a 5000k-6500k CFL or LED bulb. I have a little 50w LED from a 10 gallon tank sitting around that I am going to use.

Fuge algae is a cheap date, it's the corals that are high maintenance!

[Str8Down]

Does Caulerpa or chaeto need a substrate to attach to?

[75mixedreef]

Does Caulerpa or chaeto need a substrate to attach to?

Caulerpa does but chaeto does not. I recommend chaeto because it does not attach to the substrate so is much easier to remove if it gets into the display. Caulerpa is just too invasive.

[ericarenee]

Caulerpa does but chaeto does not. I recommend chaeto because it does not attach to the substrate so is much easier to remove if it gets into the display. Caulerpa is just too invasive.

Either will grow free floating