Thoughts on HoB Refugium...

[Sosee]

I am considering a HoB refugium for macro algae and to grow Cops.

I could slide another divider into my sump but the current in there might be too strong with the Mini G buzzing away nicely.
Have the room behind the tank both laterally and vertically for a Hob Refugium.

Anyone have an opinion for/against etc etc?

Thanks

Oh....Tank is a 55g with a 25g sump
WP25 Wavemaker
Koralia powerheads (two)
jbj chiller
Current USA 48"-60" Orbit Marine LED (Soon to be upgraded to two Evergrow 2060's)

Tank inhabitants at present:
6 Nassarius Snails
8 other snails
Yellow tank
Blue Tang
Clownfish

I will be doing LPS corals over the next couple years in this one. Probably add a couple small fish including a sand sifting goby but thats about it.

 

[Blublubub]

You actually have quite a few options here. Luckily for you, your sump can accommodate another section for macro algae (I sure wish I had some room in mine...). Of course, that is what I recommend. I'm not sure if the high flow in your sump will be a problem, but I don't think it will be a problem. Another option is the HOB, which you are looking into. The final option is an in tank fuge. Pros and cons can be found below

Fuge in Sump
Pros- Ugly Macro Algae will be hidden out of sight (Chaeto); easier maintenance with everything in one location (Sump)
Cons- Having a light in your sump may grow unwanted algae in your sump; algae may escape the chamber and end up getting stuck in your return pump; You may lose Pods through the return pump and your skimmer (depending where your fuge and skimmer is placed)

HOB Fuge
Pros-Ugly Macro Algae will be hidden out of sight; Frees up space in your sump; Light used for growing the algae won't grow anywhere else besides fuge; Pods have safe passage back into the DT
Cons- Harder to Install; May be a hassle to clean; Much more maintenance IMO; Limited to the size of the Fuge; Pump may be an eyesore in the tank; Return back into tank may cause splashes, which will cause salt creep on lights and such; Macro Algae may leave fuge and get into your tank instantly

In Tank Fuge
Pros- Display your Macro Algae!; Frees up space in your sump; No need for additional lights (it will be using the main lights); Reminds you to clean your fuge (After all, It's displayed right there!); Pods have safe entry back into DT; Can put smallish fish in there as an acclimation box
Cons- May be a hassle to clean and set up; May be hard to get the flow right to travel through the fuge; Macro Algae may leave the fuge and get into your tank instantly; Takes up much needed room (Esp in a 55 Gallon); You can see all the ugly Macro Algae

Idk if I'm missing anything. This is basically what I know so far about fuges.. Overall, this is all your decision, and a fuge should help you, not the other way around! Choose the best one that will fit into your system. I vote for a fuge in the sump, just because how simple it is, but watch the flow! Hope this helps!

 

[acbaldwin]

I'd go in-sump, chaeto and dragon's tongue will be fine in decently high flow, and some macros actually do much better in high flow (Galaxaura sp. and E. Spinosum, for example).
You may get algae growth in your plumbing if you use clear tubing. (or just position your light so it doesn't light up your plumbing)
And you will need to clean your return pump about once a month, unless you have some sort of prefilter on it.

 

[maze531]

I plumbed a small tank beside my dt for my fuge not sure if that is an option.


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[Blublubub]

I plumbed a small tank beside my dt for my fuge not sure if that is an option.


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Yes, that is definitely an option! Slipped my mind when I was making that little pro con table. To be honest, seems too much trouble for its worth though. Once again, it all goes back to whatever works best for you.

 

[maze531]

Sorry meant an option for him lol. I like my fuge it displays my macro and a coral banded shrimp


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