Stocking a Refugium

[decastrat1]

Just upgraded my standard LFS sump to a really nice LifeReef sump and LifeReefugium.
The new LifeReefugium is significantly bigger and better then the refugium I had in my old sump.

Looking for tips and ideas on how to best stock this with micro-aglae and other clean-up-crew. The water volume is about 15 gallons now. I can easily had a small AC powerhead to increase water movement.

I previously had chaeto in the old refugium, but I think with the low flow through that system, hair algae took over.
Light source is a Kessil H80 Tuna Flora.
Main tank is 110 gallons reef with LPS and other softies.

I've never had an issue with NO3 or PO4 before and it's 1.5 years old.


Should I stick to chaeto or look at other options like Sea Lettuce? Personally think a Mangrove would be cool, but not sure I have the space.
What other CUC should I add in there?

 

[Uncle99]

I’ve always had excellent results from chaeto in exporting nutrients.
In my fuge, that’s all I keep with some snails and some rock (in case I need some cycled rock).

 

[Lavey29]

For ease if use and good results, chaeto and a few nice rocks too.

 

[Subsea]

Just upgraded my standard LFS sump to a really nice LifeReef sump and LifeReefugium.
The new LifeReefugium is significantly bigger and better then the refugium I had in my old sump.

Looking for tips and ideas on how to best stock this with micro-aglae and other clean-up-crew. The water volume is about 15 gallons now. I can easily had a small AC powerhead to increase water movement.

I previously had chaeto in the old refugium, but I think with the low flow through that system, hair algae took over.
Light source is a Kessil H80 Tuna Flora.
Main tank is 110 gallons reef with LPS and other softies.

I've never had an issue with NO3 or PO4 before and it's 1.5 years old.


Should I stick to chaeto or look at other options like Sea Lettuce? Personally think a Mangrove would be cool, but not sure I have the space.
What other CUC should I add in there?

Impressive with so much in so little space.

If nutrient export is not a priority, then consider a Feather Caulerpa as a gorgeous utilitarian display
macro algae. Use your refugium to recycle nutrients into pods to feed live food to tank. Both refugiums will feed lids to display..

This is my interpretation of a display refugium on steroids. Tank was set up 3 years ago and disabled & sand was ripped clean 10 dad ago.

 

[decastrat1]

Impressive with so much in so little space.

If nutrient export is not a priority, then consider a Feather Caulerpa as a gorgeous utilitarian display
macro algae. Use your refugium to recycle nutrients into pods to feed live food to tank. Both refugiums will feed lids to display..

This is my interpretation of a display refugium on steroids. Tank was set up 3 years ago and disabled & sand was ripped clean 10 dad ago.

That was an excellent setup you had.

The Feather Caulerpa is a really good idea and I'll have to see if my LFS has any to start with.

I'll probably eventually get some nice CUC in there the new refuguim too since it has so much water volume and an excellent display window. I'm down in that room all the time.

 

[Subsea]

Macro Algae: Your Source For Quality Marine Plants and Macroalgae | Gulf Coast Ecosystems

We specialize in saltwater Macroalgae and Seagrass | GCE has the largest selection of Macroalgae online, offering over 35 different species

www.live-plants.com

They have C. Paspoides in stock. While not in stock now, consider there ornamental sponges.

 

[decastrat1]

Macro Algae: Your Source For Quality Marine Plants and Macroalgae | Gulf Coast Ecosystems

We specialize in saltwater Macroalgae and Seagrass | GCE has the largest selection of Macroalgae online, offering over 35 different species

www.live-plants.com

They have C. Paspoides in stock. While not in stock now, consider there ornamental sponges.

Thanks. I'll have to keep checking this website for what comes in-stock.

 

[RedoubtReef]

I run a mud refugium with feather caulerpa. You can view it in my 'My tank thread' link. The substrate is alive with amphipods and seems to be providing lots of food for my mandarin who has plumped up nicely since he arrived a couple moths ago a bit on the thin side.

 

[decastrat1]

I run a mud refugium with feather caulerpa. You can view it in my 'My tank thread' link. The substrate is alive with amphipods and seems to be providing lots of food for my mandarin who has plumped up nicely since he arrived a couple moths ago a bit on the thin side.

Your build is beautiful and awesome.

A 40 gallon refugium is quite large.

Do you find mud extra beneficial for planting and another creatures? I only have leftover sand from the DT in there right now (probably at 2-3 inches deep in the refugium).