i need help starting a refugium

[cbubblyblonde15]

we are wanting to start a refugium in our sump and have a few questions before we do it.
1. how can we put glass dividers in(to hold the sand in place as the wet dry filter would disturb it) without tearing down the sump tank?
2. can we take out the wet dry filter without losing good bacteria? we figured we might have to take the sump tank out of the bottom of our stand because it is hard to get in there and put in glass dividers.
3. what kind of light is recommended? we don't want a very large or expensive light and it needs to be able to mount inside of the stand cabinet area.
4. we read that our wet dry filter should be suspended so the bio balls are not fully submerged in water. is this true? and if so how would we put it up there?


those are the only questions we have for now. any help and advice would be greatly appreciated :))

[marinelife]

1. its easier if the sump is empty. You glue in baffles with silicone. I have seen a few done with water in and I forget off the top of my head what they used to glue them in.

2. You can removing it, it could help your tank not having it, just depends on how dirty the balls are

3. I have an LED spot light over mine and the macro algae grows

4. yes the bio balls should not me under water to get the most effect from them.

[chromiumlux]

Sounds like you will need to remove the sump to install dividers. If they are not siliconed in the sand will cause them to collapse. Do you have any pics you can upload? We can help better if we can see what you are working with.

[cbubblyblonde15]

i will try to upload some pics in the am

[chromiumlux]

If it is too much trouble for you to do yourself. Justin at aquatic specialists does fuges for a good price.

[mayhem_audio]

If all your wanting to add is sand and som roch you can just get a small plastic tub that will fit inside you current sump trim the top so it is below water level... It will not be as effective as baffles but will work