Has anybody tried the dark area filtration?

[Crows Ridge]

Has anyone tried the dark area to grow sponges and such for filtration like we saw at a meeting a few months ago?

I am looking at a huge tank for in the wall. I wouldnt normally get it, but its basically new and a good price. I wanted to make a false floor. It is 42'' tall and I wanted to raise it to 30''-36''. It would be dark, low flow.

Just wondering, and trying ideas for the new tank if I get it.

96''l x 42''t x 30''w about 518 gallons. It will replace the 350g reef andthe 350g will be a FOWLR for non reef fish. Butterflies, Angels etc.......

Thanks for ideas,

Chris

 

[northstaraquatics]

About July of last year, I set up a system like Steve described. My main difference is that I have an entire 75 Gal. tank set like that and an even darker zone. I have to admit the middle zone is doing well with all sorts of sponges growing. I had to disturb it for some live rock recently and some of the rock was attached together with sponges. It's an interesting concept.

Jon

 

[CarlaW]

My sump has a dsb and live rock in it and is not lit. It has only been set up for about 4 months now. we'll see what transpires!

 

[acropora]

I also found the method of using "cryptic sponges' very interesting. I have not bought any of the sponges,etc; but I have a deep sump with some L.R. that will not receive any lighting. I also have a refugium that is lit and it dumps into the sump. I would also like to hear from anyone who has implemented a cryptic sponge zone, so I will give this a bump...............

 

[Ray Pollett]

While I have not tried it, I must say Steve's ideas are very interesting. Common sense tells me it works; but not sure to what extent.

I do not set up to have those zones in my tanks, but do introduce sponges to some of my tanks. They seem to be growing in the base areas were there are a lot of LR.

Ray

 

[acropora]

While I have not tried it, I must say Steve's ideas are very interesting. Common sense tells me it works; but not sure to what extent.

I do not set up to have those zones in my tanks, but do introduce sponges to some of my tanks. They seem to be growing in the base areas were there are a lot of LR.

Ray

I agree.If you ever look under your L.R. that has been in your tank for awhile you will see some sponges.It only follows that this would increase in darkness.How well it works is the question. however,since it doesn't consume any electricity, it is worth trying along with other proven methods.

 

[northstaraquatics]

I also found the method of using "cryptic sponges' very interesting. I have not bought any of the sponges,etc; but I have a deep sump with some L.R. that will not receive any lighting. I also have a refugium that is lit and it dumps into the sump. I would also like to hear from anyone who has implemented a cryptic sponge zone, so I will give this a bump...............

This sounds nearly identical to what I have going. I did not add sponges but they are growing well yellow bands, brown blobs and other technical terms. This is in a partially lit zone(from a metal halide beside the tank) with the live rock. My totally dark zone with sand has tube worms and tiny bristle worms for the most part. These two tanks are algae free pest free zones.

Jon

 

[Montanarocknreefer]

Is there a link to a article on dark filtration with "cryptic sponges"?

I have always believe in sponges being a nice addition to water purity!

 

[Ray Pollett]

Is there a link to a article on dark filtration with "cryptic sponges"?

I have always believe in sponges being a nice addition to water purity!

Steve Has a site www.dynamicecomorphology.com

Ray

 

[class clown]

John, Charlie, others.. any updates on how well this has worked for you? I'm considering doing a fuge and came across Steve's articles as well. wondering how well they've worked out for you guys.

 

[Reeferdude]

I think you're better off by using some light with shaded areas for sponge growth as opposed to no light at all.

 

[dpaynter]

I believe Jesse built a separate box for a sponge filter for his 400 gallon tank. Unfortunately, I don't remember his last name and there are lots of Jesse's on the forum. Maybe someone else can direct you to him. (He has the big tank in the sunroom that relies a lot on natural light).

 

[class clown]

Ahh... sunroom, big tank. My guess is that's the one and only JesseB. Nice guy. I'll PM him.

anyone have experience w/ this good, bad or neutral that they can share?

 

[burning2nd]

theres probably more life in the dark then the light...... i think thats a great idea...

 

[ret25yo]

well I've been running my sump/refugium w/no light I havent seen any problems what so ever. I have transfered peices of lr that contain Aipstatia into it and after 2 months return it to my main tank pest free. the fish love picking at the "new rock" after transfer
I've been bad and not tested my water in a long time but only when the corals are not looking good (i havent tested in a looong time)

you can do a search on "cryptic refugiums" or "cryptic zones"