Fuge questions

[Future]

I'm about to buy a HOB fuge for my tank, but want to ask a few things about getting it running.

1. Should I do MUD or just a DSB in the fuge?
2. Will it be safe to place my heater in the fuge even though it'll probably touch the macro?
3. Will this small addition cause a spike in parm's?
4. Do I need to place LR in here or is this just optional? Either way what is the benifit?

and 5. I'll be turning off the cannister filter when this is done, but should I keep the cannister connected for water changes, carbon filtration, etc...? I'm sure there must be some use in the cannister, but can't figure out what exactly it could be.

[charlie]

I'm about to buy a HOB fuge for my tank, but want to ask a few things about getting it running.

1. Should I do MUD or just a DSB in the fuge?

I would just use regular sand, if you put in a 1/2 cup of substrate from your tank, it will soon be the same thing!!!!

2. Will it be safe to place my heater in the fuge even though it'll probably touch the macro?

It would be OK to do, but I have always tried to refrain from putting heaters in my refugium, but that may just be personal preference.

3. Will this small addition cause a spike in parm's?

You should be OK.

4. Do I need to place LR in here or is this just optional? Either way what is the benifit?

I think you could get by without it, especially with the limited space you have.

and 5. I'll be turning off the cannister filter when this is done, but should I keep the cannister connected for water changes, carbon filtration, etc...? I'm sure there must be some use in the cannister, but can't figure out what exactly it could be.

You could keep the cannister running with just carbon, I don't think it would hurt a thing.

HTH

[Future]

Well the whole thing is because I want to switch from all these multiple chemical additives over to Reef Results brand. My LFS is the owner/manufacturer of the product and I've only seen and heard rave reviews.
Beginning with a working fuge is the the beginning and I'm rather refugium-stupid..lol

I've heard some people want to do a MUD system, but I guess I never understood it, so that can wait till I do a larger reef tank down the road.

[charlie]

Do a search on miracle mud, you will be amazed at what it really is and where it came from. A good live sand bed will give you the same results IMO.