How often should I clean the refugium?

[TomToro]

My refugium looks like an unmaintained fish tank. I have tons of micro and macro algae in there. I know that's the reason I have it, but when do I clean it out and how much of the algae do I remove to make it still effective? Also can I remove caulerpa incorrectly enough to release something into the water and start problems in the main tank? What does it mean when the caluerpa goes asexual if that's the right term?
Thanks,
Tom

[mayran]

I have the same question. My refugium looks dirty.

[blackwolfXKAV]

i cannot answer for sure, but i can guess that you may not need to clean it unless it interferes w/ the main tank and/or the equipment..

[Max]

Trim a couple of inches off the calupera if it's been a while since you've touched it. I take about an inch a week out of mine. You don't want it to get large enough to reproduce or your whole tank will look like your fuge. Again I work on mine about once a week.
hth
max

[TomToro]

I also have some red slime and green slime in there. Don't know if that's any indication of trouble.
I'll trim some today. Thanks.

Also, is there a specific kind of caulerpa\macro that works best in a refugium? I have racemosa, the grape type, and a dark green jagged type of caulerpa and a red branch type.
Thanks,
Tom
p.s. Max, should I start a new thread when I have additional questions or is it o.k. to add on to existing ones?

[Max]

Add away man but, if it's important or you don't get a speedy reply send me a pm I miss things sometimes. I'd use chaeto morpha it's much less likely to reproduce in tank causing it to look like split pea soup. If you keep the algae trimmed it should reduce the possiblitly of it happening.

The cyano is caused usually be reduced water flow in an area if, it spreads to your main tank worry. You might me able to do something about by a simple water flow adjustment.

[TomToro]

Thanks Max, I appreciate the help.

I'm not sure I can increase the flow in the refugium for fear of a flood. The overflow siphon barely keeps up with the max 600. Can I just clean up the cyano or will that release something into the main tank? In all the years, I've never been this void of algae (main tank) in any type to the detriment of my cleaner crew, I'm afraid. Lawnmower blennie, 50 astreas and my two tangs. The Regal will eat anything, but the yellow mainly dined on the hair algae. I've got a clip in there with some nice macro, but he or the blennie won't touch it.

Regards,
Tom

[Max]

Try nori it's actually made up of pressed sheets of algae or spirulina tablets. That might entice some of your hungry vegans to eat a little. Also formula 2 and other frozen marine algae might also entice them you might have to try a couple of different things and a variety is best anyway. You'll have to feed them if all of your algae goes away obviously

Yeah just remove the cyano from the tank it shouldn't really cause any issues. Hope this helps and keep us posted. Your vegatarian fish need a pretty constant supply of food you'll have to experiment a bit maybe.
hth
Max

[dorkfish]

Regardling the flow issues in the fuge, would it not be possible to add a powerhead inside the fuge?

[TomToro]

I would add a powerhead, but it's too small for one. I'm still waiting for the little critters to appear. Might have to seed it with some live sand from a lfs.

I've heard of Nori, but don't know where to get it. I'll buy some formula 2 tomorrow. Good suggestion and don't know why I didn't think of it. My fish love the flake food.

Thanks,
Tom

[Max]

get your nori at an asian supper market. Don't waste you money on live sand unless it's crawling with critters you can move some of the small life from your main set up to your fuge. I might not make many friends by saying this but, live sand IMHO is usually a big old waste of $. Your sand will be live sand soon enough as far as the bacteria goes and you're better off if you pick your own critters.
Max

[Mr.Firemouth]

Make sure you check your ALK, Calcium levels, pH, and Phophate levels. These will all have an effect on the cyano problem. Also, where are your nitrtates currently at?

Post the test results after you know them. If you don't have the test kits the LFS will test for you.

[TomToro]

Nitrates are around 15 still and I just did a massive water change. I also removed about 15lbs of crushed coral, especially in the back where I used to have some dead spots. Those are now being blasted by a maxi 1200. This nitrate is a losing battle. Although, the refugium algae seems to have taken it down from my usual 70+ readings. I just can't get it down to 0 and I won't put any sps or lps in there until it does.
Thanks,
Tom

[Mahlhavoc]

A good idea also, try mixing the Fuge up a bit with a plastice rod of some sort if it is an Argonite bed. It may help you out some and feed your inhabitants, soft and stony corals. I have found this works well for any buildup on the subtrate.

Just my 2 coppers is all.