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rlking · 10-31-2008, 11:14 AM

An update on the refugium. I completed the first stand, drilled the tanks and installed the pump earlier this week. Yesterday the UV filter arrived and I got it put in last night. My first plant order is due to arrive today. I ordered a few each of Frogbit, Water Lettuce, and Watersprite. A Few is not enough but with glass drills, pump and UV fliter my fish budget is exhausted for this month (and next). I'll stick a few guppies in after I get it planted and see what my water tests out at for the next few days. I'll add fish as the plants grow and the water stays good.
For substrate, I used 1" of soil from the backyard and 1" of coarse sand from my horse training arena. I planted one 50 gallon sump with all the extra java fern, java moss and crypts (lucens I think). The water looks good and clear but it smells like dirt. I guess that is normal- there is dirt in the bottom. I'll put my new plants in another 50 gal interconnected sump. Do you guys think I will need to put substrate in that sump?
Once I get my plants I'll see if I can get a picture.

10-31-2008, 11:14 AM	#6 (permalink)
rlking Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: South Central Idaho Posts: 16 iTrader Ratings: 0 Plant Points: 1200	Re: Freshwater Refugium An update on the refugium. I completed the first stand, drilled the tanks and installed the pump earlier this week. Yesterday the UV filter arrived and I got it put in last night. My first plant order is due to arrive today. I ordered a few each of Frogbit, Water Lettuce, and Watersprite. A Few is not enough but with glass drills, pump and UV fliter my fish budget is exhausted for this month (and next). I'll stick a few guppies in after I get it planted and see what my water tests out at for the next few days. I'll add fish as the plants grow and the water stays good. For substrate, I used 1" of soil from the backyard and 1" of coarse sand from my horse training arena. I planted one 50 gallon sump with all the extra java fern, java moss and crypts (lucens I think). The water looks good and clear but it smells like dirt. I guess that is normal- there is dirt in the bottom. I'll put my new plants in another 50 gal interconnected sump. Do you guys think I will need to put substrate in that sump? Once I get my plants I'll see if I can get a picture.