Refug. question

[90gal.newguy]

What should the water level be in my refug. I set it up yesterday w/ live sand and live rock. I am not sure about the water level. Also is there anything else that should be added to the refuge.
Thanks for you help !

 

[mr_X]

the water level in my opinion, should be as high as possible. this is a sump setup i assume? if you lose power will the tank run out in the fuge?
remember to leave room for that to happen. do you have macro algaes in the fuge?..i think this is the most important ingredient.

 

[shavo]

you should simulate a power outage to see if there is going to be a run off into the fuge. if the level is too high it will overflow the fuge onto the floor. you also don't want the level to get so low that the pump starves. you need to find a healthy medium. and get some macros and a light source and all will be good.
good luck
shavo out

 

[90gal.newguy]

Do have to add the macro algaes or will they grow on their own.
If I have to add them where can I aquire some.
Thanks !

 

[dnorton1978]

You will need to add them. There is calupra(spelling off) and Cheato and others. Most people agree that Cheato is the better macro. Some lfs have it. If not you can find it online at various places.

 

[spaulr]

Post a pic of your refug/sump.

The most important thing with water level (as previously stated) is that the sump can contain all water returned from plumbing in the event of power outtage.

You can get chaetomorpha or Chaeto (spaghetti algae) from lsf or EBAY. I got mine from ebay for about $20. Grows like crazy under a 13w PC.

 

[danmhippo]

I agree with run a simulation of power outage. The top tank water will flow back to the sump/refugium. As soon as you are able to determin the best water level at power outage, then flick the power back on, and mark a line on the wall of sump/refugium to indicate the level of water never to go above that line.