Help with DIY Refugium for Nano...

[jaydubh11]

I am looking for a way to add some macro algae to my tank and I am considering going with a DIY refugium. I plan on using an AquaClear Power Filter (need help picking a size). How should I light it? The back of my tank is black so it will not receive much light from the Orbit.

Any tips would be appreciated..

[Palmettopark]

The Aqua Clear 110 is the way to go. The bigger the better. The mods are easy. I light mine with a Coralife mini 18 watt. Order the Ac 110 online aswell as the Coralife its the cheapest. As far as mods go I dont know this site cuz im new here but over on Nanoreef.com search ac 110 fuge mods and it will be there. I currently run one on a 20 gallon long works great, if thats the way you want to go.

[jaydubh11]

^Thanks for the reply. How many hours do you keep it lit and what do you keep in there?

[Palmettopark]

Im fiddeling with the light cycle now, but for some time now Ive been running a reverse light cycle 14 hours a day. There is light spill over from this refugium modd so Im concerned with light spill over at night not giving my corals complete darkness, even though my corals grow and thrive. This mod works for sure, what ever light cycle you run. I think the key alge is the cheato. I have live sand, live rock rubble, cheato, chemipure, and the heater in the fuge.

[jaydubh11]

Is the AC 110 loud?

[kamla]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8355940#post8355940 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jaydubh11
Is the AC 110 loud?

No.. you can barely hear a trickle of water..

[DrBegalke]

This might help:

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/hagenrefugart.htm

[jaydubh11]

Thanks for the link. I am still in a bind because the AC 110 will not fit on my tank with the Remora there. I don't know if it is worth it to add the filter + lighting just to have Chaeto if I could get away with just having some in the display. Also, I don't know if the Coralife Mini Aqualight will fit well on the AC 70. The light is 9" and the entire width of the AC 70 is 8.5". I am also worried about "carry-over light" if I go on a reverse light cycle. Will I be able to take out one of the powerheads if I go with a DIY refugium? Is leaving Chaeto free in the display a bad idea?

Sorry for all the questions... I appreciate the help.