fuge

[milo123]

how bout some help with flow rate for fuge, read so much conflicting theories

[charlesr1958]

If the refugium is set up to recreate a macroalgae habitat, then the flow rate should be slow to moderate, just strong enough to gently move the algae about a little bit.

A Philippine Fringing Reef & The Reef Aquarium - Part Three, The MacroAlgae

Chuck

[milo123]

thanks, right now i have it at about 50gal hr. too slow?

[Doodaa]

A number for the flow rate doesn't necessarily make sense. It all depends on how it flows through your refugium. The amount of flow also depends on the inhabitants you want to keep in there. It's more of a trial and error thing to get the desired results. I'd go with the most flow possible without disturbing the sand or your inhabitants as you want as much of your water passing through as possible in order for the algae to absorb as many nutrients as possible.

[charlesr1958]

Actualy, Macroalgae uptake nutrients better in a very slow flow, so much so that they can take over the job of the sandbed's bacteria by grabbing up ammonia/nitrogen before the bacteria have a shot at it. That and macroalgae simply is not built to withstand high rates of water flow and would most likely get torn up and damaged. A low rate of flow through a macroalgae refugium is best.

Chuck

[milo123]

thanks for the help, i have the flow cut way down, havent measured it, but i think it will be fine