refuguim mud

[peteliberty]

I'm going to setup a refuge using my old sump; I replaced it with a 20 gal tank long.
Here's what I'd like to do.
Put the mud in, and then add some live sand on top of it. Here’s the question do I have to cycle the tank?

 

[Anonymous]

Without understanding more, I'd have to say yes. Fairly unequivocally.

 

[Anonymous]

Of course you will have to cycle the system as it is always cycleing even after years of running. The question is whether or not you will have the ammonia->nitrIte->nitrate spikes of just an initial nitrate spike.

I would not use an expensive mud and live sand but rather some organics like peat moss with sand on top. If you can find inexpeinsive silica free sand even better.

just my .02

 

[Anonymous]

double

 

[Anonymous]

i would think the sand, being denser than mud, will not remain on top of the mud for long, no ?

 

[Anonymous]

i would think the sand, being denser than mud, will not remain on top of the mud for long, no ?

probably so. But it will hold down the peat mass untill it is water logged and therefore prevent the floaties

 

[Anonymous]

i would think the sand, being denser than mud, will not remain on top of the mud for long, no ?

probably so. But it will hold down the peat mass untill it is water logged and therefore prevent the floaties

what on earth does 'peat mass' have to do w/refugium mud ?

they are COMPLETELY different types of substances w/different densities/structures, one is for freshwater, and is NOT a mud at all, one is for saltwater, and very much like mud-they will behave differently as regards sands ability to sink through, and the time that takes

:lol:

:roll: