[MatthewR]

I have not learned a great deal on this topic, but something I want to learn about. I have had my tank for over a month now. I have some LR it, doing pretty well. The LFS sold me crushed coral as the bed for my tank, I am not sure if this was the best idea now. But anyways I read in a thread about using the overflow box as a refugium, is this possible and what would have to be done to make this so? Any help is greatly appreciated.

[e_baer]

I would suggest just to either buy one, or make one. In the long run a real fuge would be a lot easier.

For lighting, you can use this way.

Melevsreef.com - Refugium Bulb

For substrate, I would try to get some either really fine sand or mud. Try to make it at least 4" deep.

You can get some fuges at Aquatraders for dirt cheap. People have many opinions about that site.

As for plants to grow, you can get different macro algae or mangrove plants. The most common plant to use is cheato which looks like this:



You can buy some from people here on this forum, or you can get it at Aquarium Fish: Tropical Freshwater Fish and Saltwater Fish for Home Aquariums

[MatthewR]

I was wondering if I could just modify my sump that I have, I have a tidepool2 under my tank, and yes I don't hear alot about them, but I didn't have the time to build my own, and probably down the road when I have learn much more I will end up building my own. But couldn't I just put a piece of plexyglass in to divide it, and have then put in live sand, and then put some cheato stuff in there as well? wondering if anyone has done this before?

[DEWAYNE]

I would suggest to you, just install two small power heads off set from the other to make your current, I have a friend that did this and it worked out pretty good.

[MatthewR]

he just placed 2 powerheads opposite one other or next to one other facing different directions and set up a refugium in his sump?

[DEWAYNE]

sorry, I did not se that posted, I will mind my own business

[e_baer]

I am not familiar with the tidepool system. Next time I go to my lfs I will take a look at them and see if you can do what you want. Which system exactly do you have?

[MatthewR]

it is called the tidepool2. I will post a pic of it tomorrow.

[Taras1]

When I bought my setup it came with a Tidepool II. The biowheel was a nitrate factory after about 2 mos and the tank had a big algae problem (I'm still recovering from that). Initially, I removed the biowheel and replaced it with LR rubble. I tried to have chaeto grow in the second chamber and it didn't work. I ended-up breaking-down and getting a refugium. Here's the link. I really love it.

Ameka Aquatics Total Control Refugium