Refugium in 55 gallon - yes, it's a pot scrubbies question?

[CichlidZ67]

i purchased 150 pot scrubbies after countless articles saying they are the best bang for the buck. K1 K2 too loud for living room, ceramic too expensive. I will use egg crate below with air stones for movement and oxygen and egg crate above to hold them in. Questions:
1) do I want them loose in media bags so they move about or tightly packed? I can't find anything on this.
2) I made my stand with 2x6's, 2x4's and plywood. Does the stand need airholes for ventilation?
3) does the refugium need light for bacteria or does it do fine in the dark.

Thanks for taking time out of your day to read!

 

[Deadliestviper7]

Light helps algae grow and get rid of waste.
Ventilation helps aerobic bacteria.
As long as water flows thru the media it's good.

 

[duanes]

Refugiums are not really just for bacteria, that is what the bio media in the sump is for.
Refugiums are usually for slightly larger animals that help break down detritus, and eat ket over food that has ended up in the sump. They are also good places to raise fry.
Some refugiums are planted, and would therefore need light.
I put scuds (gammarus) small shrimp, snails and plants (aquatic and marginal) in my refugiums. Some I place in windows to help plant and algae growth.

 

[CichlidZ67]

Refugiums are not really just for bacteria, that is what the bio media in the sump is for.
Refugiums are usually for slightly larger animals that help break down detritus, and eat ket over food that has ended up in the sump. They are also good places to raise fry.
Some refugiums are planted, and would therefore need light.
I put scuds (gammarus) small shrimp, snails and plants (aquatic and marginal) in my refugiums. Some I place in windows to help plant and algae growth.

Duane, I'm sorry if I'm using incorrect vernacular. I am setting up a freshwater cichlid aquarium. The pot scrubbies will be my submerged bio media. Thx

 

[CichlidZ67]

Light helps algae grow and get rid of waste.
Ventilation helps aerobic bacteria.
As long as water flows thru the media it's good.

If it was your set up Viper would you let the scrubbies Klink around like pinball or stuff it? Thanks for your reply. I will now add light and vent holes on your advice.

 

[Deadliestviper7]

If it was your set up Viper would you let the scrubbies Klink around like pinball or stuff it? Thanks for your reply. I will now add light and vent holes on your advice.

Stuff it definitely as it makes things easier.

 

[duanes]

For bio media it really doesn't matter if its loose or confined.
Whatever you find convenient for your needs.
I place biomedia in mesh bags to make it easy to grab the bag and rinse or shake out during water changes.

I like scrubbies for use as mechanical media, but they work well for both uses.

 

[CichlidZ67]

For bio media it really doesn't matter if its loose or confined.
Whatever you find convenient for your needs.
I place biomedia in mesh bags to make it easy to grab the bag and rinse or shake out during water changes.

I like scrubbies for use as mechanical media, but they work well for both uses.

Thanks Duanes! I plan on copying a YouTube video and using 1 gallon paint strainer bags from big box store!