Help!! Refugium Issue

Why do they recommend fuge in first chamber? That seems counter intuitive in that the skimmer could remove pods and other beneficial organisms. I have always had our fuge in the middle for that reason.

 

FWIW, I love carbon dosing. Easy, cheap, and an occasional tweek. I use vinegar. I couldn't keep the Vodka around for some unknown reason! Rotflmao. Seriously, I had Cyano problems every time I tried it. Good luck!

 

Yeah, it is a bit backwards compared to the more conventional layout. I think they want the fuge to get the first crack at nutrient export and probably assume that the skimmer isn't going to have a dramatic dent on the pod population.

From the Triton manual:
The Beginners Guide to The Triton Method - TRITON SUPPORT FORUM

Again.. not saying this is "the way" to do things as I haven't even tried it. I just thought it was something interesting to consider.

 

So you saw cyano pop up with vodka dosing but not vinegar dosing? I really wish it was known what was in ZeoStart (the carbon source for Zeovit systems)... it sure smells like vinegar but costs $120 per liter. I have noticed I tend to have a challenge with cyano whenever I've started a tank on it (eventually it clears up).

 

I think the other thing they mention in that article is they don't use filter socks, so the refuge catches most of the junk there.

 

I'm sure that vinegar recipe (probably has some sugar too) is a very well kept company secret

 

How full is the middle chamber of rock and rubble.?

 

Just enough to cover the bottom layer. Didn't want to impede water flow or have too much?

 

Myself would load it 1/2 - 3/4 full and add a mp10 powered. To give u what u need and add a light and cook 24 hrs.
U have seen my refugium. No socks, just skimmer, rock and cheato

 

You might be on to something with the added flow rate but an MP10 is way too powerful for such a small space. And expensive

 

Just get a cheap plug and play wave maker.

 

So an update: Tried to see if the skimmer would fit into the second chamber, it doesn't so I did cut out over half the chaeto (I had enough to fill a large salad bowl) and I added a small handful of caluerpa. Arranged the light to be a little closer. There seems to be a bit more flow going through the chamber now that it's not so crowded.

Also made sure my GFO and carbon were fresh. The pump for that reactor is located with the skimmer in the first section and the output is in the third section.

 

Be careful with that. it will take over the fuge very fast! I thinned mine out on Sunday and it would have filled a igloo cooler.

 

Would you consider keeping some fancy macro algae in the display tank?

 

Actually I probably would because it's a soft coral tank right now. If I had a fancy macro that was big enough to place in the display I would try it. Assuming it doesn't get eaten immediately.

 

problem has always been finding enough of it, and anchoring it in place.

 

If you have a tang in the tank it won't last long.