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REFUGIUM SET-UP GUIDE
To Set Up Your Refugium, You will need:
1 Drop-In Refugium Kit
1 Air Pump and Hose *
1 pkg. (5 lb.) CaribSea ArubaShell *
1 pkg. (5 lb.) Washed Oyster Shell *
1 Information packet
1 8 oz Bottle of Biotrace
We recommend you proceed as follows:
Call me to confirm shipment of your biological supplies and discuss any questions,
after you look through this information. Unless there is a change of plan, we will be
shipping your biological package Tuesday, 7/22, for arrival 7/23, as you requested
When you receive your shipment, float the algae and "critters" while you
install the Refugium.
Working with the Refugium outside the aquarium, place the live sand in the Refugium
first. Make sure the removable window is in place and be careful as you work with the sand
not to block the track of this removable acrylic pane.
Next cover the live starter sand with approximately 3-5 pounds of the CaribSea (dry)
aragonite and oyster shell we are sending today, keeping in mind that you probably won't
need to use all of either. You may also want to utilize small pieces of live rock, dead
snail shells, etc to contour the live sand bed.
You can aquascape the Refugium any way you like. I recommend that you place the sand
such that it slopes from just above the bottom of the window, in the front, to a bit over
2.5" in the rear. The dry sand(s) should be used to hold the finer oolitic sand in
place. By completing this task outside the aquarium, you minimize the clouding effect of
installing the fine oolitic sand.
Next, turn off your pumps and circulating powerheads such that any escaping sand cloud
will be allowed to settle.
Now, loosen the adjustment screws enough to allow the mounting bracket to fit over the
molding in the left hand corner of your aquarium and carefully "drop" it into
place. This should be done very slowly and carefully such that the water does not disturb
the sand more than is necessary.
Note: Do not put force on the mounting brackets when moving, as the brackets are not
designed to support any weight and are quite fragile when out of the water.
Use the adjustment screws to secure the Refugium in place and to adjust it such that
the top is level with the surface of your tank. Once the Refugium in is in place, you can
turn your pumps back on.
You may now place the air pump, but wait until the dust settles in the Refugium before
turning the pump on.
As soon as the pump is up and running, empty the Fauna Kit bags into the
Refugium and place the algae. The Golden Banded Shrimp should also be placed in the
Refugium at this time.
I look forward to speaking with you and wish you the best of success with your hobby.
Please feel free to call, fax or e-mail if I can be
of further service.
Sincerely,
Morgan J. Lidster
Facility Manager |