Sump/refugium with no lights - what can I grow?

[Lylelovett]

Hi all,

I recently transitioned to an algae scrubber instead of chaeto in my sump (and love it). This means I no longer have grow lights in my sump. In my mind I'd still like to make use of the sump for growing good things: pods, good bacteria, etc. Can I still grow these things without light? If so, how/what?

Thanks for your expertise!

 

[JumboShrimp]

I have no light in my sump, but I definitely have pods.

 

[Dkmoo]

It will probably be harder for pods bc some feed on film algae which need light to grow.

 

[Dolphins18]

Hi all,

I recently transitioned to an algae scrubber instead of chaeto in my sump (and love it). This means I no longer have grow lights in my sump. In my mind I'd still like to make use of the sump for growing good things: pods, good bacteria, etc. Can I still grow these things without light? If so, how/what?

Thanks for your expertise!

throw some clams in there! Not the expensive, they used to go by the name "cleaner clam"

 

[Lylelovett]

throw some clams in there! Not the expensive, they used to go by the name "cleaner clam"

Should that part of my refugium that used to be chaeto be filled with rubble-coral or sand for these clams?

 

[Dolphins18]

Should that part of my refugium that used to be chaeto be filled with rubble-coral or sand for these clams?

I am not sure if it matters to be honest, maybe the clams prefer sand - but in the scheme of things I do not think it matters. I had some in a tank with rubble for a few years, but ended up moving them to the sump with sand because they aren't very attractive.

 

[ReefGeezer]

Bacteria & pods will grow fine in the dark. So will sponges, little tube worms, and other stuff that might reside on rubble rock. These are good for the system.

 

[JumboShrimp]

+1 @ReefGeezer ... I must have a thousand pineapple sponges in my dark sump.

 

[Jrain904]

Throw in some rubble for sponges and pods and worms to grow

 

[Lylelovett]

I am not sure if it matters to be honest, maybe the clams prefer sand - but in the scheme of things I do not think it matters. I had some in a tank with rubble for a few years, but ended up moving them to the sump with sand because they aren't very attractive.

Yeah I see they are $.80 on reefcleaners... Maybe I'll buy a couple dozen and put them in there.