Cycling with a Refug?

[Rborgia]

When using a refung on your system, is the entire system and refugs etup to cycle together? or do you cycle the tank first and add the Refug after and wait for that to cycle? I have been reading, but I haven't found anythign specific regarding the cycling process of a refug with a new tank.

Thanks!

Rich

 

[marrone]

Since the Refug only has plants in it, to remove nitrates, there really isn't a problem unless you plan on placing rocks with a lot of material, like sponges, and have a huge increase in ammonia.

 

[inline6]

i second that.
i cycled w/refuge connected to main system.

 

[Rborgia]

Ok, so I'm going to put the refug inline (connected to the sump) add the Miracle Mud and Add live rock to my display tank and let it cycle... correct?

Thanks and sorry, I just want to be completely clear on this. After reading the direction in the Miracle Mud, it seems as though that alone can cycle. Will the Cycle of the live rock be too much for the Miracle Mud and kill all of the good stuff inside?

Thanks again

Rich

 

[marrone]

Rich

I've never used Miracle Mud but alot of people think it's nothing more than expensive mud and not worth the price.

You shouldn't have unless the rock has a lot of life on it and then your going to get a lot of ammonia from the die off. If not then you'll have a cycle and everything should be fine.



Michael

 

[Rborgia]

Thanks Marrone, do you have any suggestions as to what I could use for the bottom of the fuge? (Just live sand?). Miracle Mud does seem to be a bit expensive, I only purchased a 5 pound container (small), so if I go another route, it wont hurt much.

I have two options for a tank, I have a 33 long and a 29 gal tank, what do you all think would be better? I read one thread on RC that says the longer the time in the refug the better saturation will be... ?

Thanks again!

Rich

 

[marrone]

Either Regular sand, like southdown, or live sand would be fine in the refug or a combination of both. Alot of people place a layer of southdown and then place live sand on top of it.

As for the tank general the more water and space you have in the refug is better.