Refugium Question - MUD?

[Sunny]

Hello again

So I decided to go with the Pro clear 400 model for my 150 Gallon setup. It is 42X16X16. It comes with a refugium. I will use live rock for filteration and no bio balls.

This is a new setup (plumbing in progress)

I wanted to see what substrate people use in refugium. I read about miracle mud, fiji mud etc. Do I need this to start the tank? Can I add sand now and replace with mud later?

What is better? Can I start a new tank with refuigum and MUD in the first place?

Thanks
Sunny

 

[JRWOHLER]

First if you have mangroves then you need the mud.

You don't need mud in the refugium, it is supposed to supply trace minerals ect. However I bought it with my refugium, covered with sand and rubble with cheato on top. Works great for me. Will not make any claims on its vital importance, but I like it. I would either do it at first or not do it at all because have heard a few bad stories about people disrupting their sand and making a mess/releasing toxins.

The other side is it is a bunch of hocus pocus and you don't need it.

 

[ynotme4886]

I just use a few inches of sand and a bit of rock and some macro algae....has always worked and have never had any issues with it.

 

[reeferwanabe]

I'm thinking of adding some just for the diversity.

 

[mikem]

I never tried mud . I think I will use just mud in my next upgrade.

 

[depitch039]

I use Carib Sea Mud in a refugium setup from an old Wet Dry filter.
The biggest problem is silt which can get into the sump and tank, I solved this by adding a small skimmer to the outflow section of the fuge.
In retrospect I don't think that mud versus sand is that big of a concern.
Proper lighting to effect good macroalgae growth is the most important part of the fuge set up IMHO.

Doug