Fuge queries

[corinna]

So Im taking the plunge and adding a refugium. It will be with caulerpa as this grows locally and all my stock is local.Question.My lfs want to sell me 'miracle mud', does this stuff work? Will it function at low temps, my tank is kept at 55 degrees?

[Star_Rider]

I'm not sure you need it
i keep a deep sandbed with snails in mine with lr rubble.

[Riverserver]

Mud has to be replaced over time, it works though. I would just use sand. Maybe a small layer of crushed coral on top. Also chaeto is probably the best macro algae you can put in a fuge because it doesn't crash like caulerpa does...

[Amphiprion]

Chaetomorpha won't do well at those temps. Caulerpa will do well, especially since the OP is using Mediterranean-introduced species. It has invaded that area severely and has adapted quite well. The miracle mud will work, but is expensive and unnecessary. Use sand likethe others mentioned--or just plain rock rubble. It will attach to either.

[corinna]

thanks all for the advice.I know the lfs has to sell stuff to stay in business but imo its always better to ask folks with experience...which leads to my second question. My tank is 345 gals, sump another 90 gals. How big does my fuge need to be for good function? I keep a few fish and lots of anemones,inverts(spiny lobster,scillarides arctos,corallimorphs, hermits, starfish etc)Thanks again for the generous advice.

[Catpicklesdog]

Basically as big as you can. Depending on what room you have, the bigger the better:grinyes:

[Reefscape]

Also, do concider the size of equiptment that is going into the inlet and return compartments as these will also dictate the size of the sections...

[corinna]

So much stuff i dont know. Where do I look for a good fuge plan? I will have it made to measure in fibreglass, have a space under the tank a yard long and a foot wide by two feet highish.Does it go before the chiller or after,for example?

[Reefscape]

LOL....i actually miss-read this thread....ignore the part about inlet and return, thats if this was a sump with a fuge.... DOH....,my bad...

Simple answer, as big as possible....

http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/refugiumsetups/DIY_Refugium_Plans_Setups.htm