I've never tried Miracle Mud but, I'm in the process of setting up a 135 gal reef using Walt Smith's product, Fiji Mud, in the sump/refugium. I assume they are similar products. It's too early to report anything yet. The system is nearing the end of the initial cycling event. Here's a link to Walt Smith's product - Fiji Mud.
If you are interested, here's a link to my thread on the 135 gal project - 135 gal reef
Dick
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Reaching my 70th BD, I realize that I cannot help but grow old. However, I refuse to grow up!!! My wife would tell you, "He may be 70 but, He's going on 17". Life is wonderful with a woman like that.
Hi Kamaaina-bob and Welcome to our little community (not so little anymore!) :-)
It is getting ever more popular here in Europe to have DSBs and mud-based refugiums; however, I know very very few that run their systems entirely as EcoSystems. One of my friends in Germany actually has successfully run his tank for almost three years on pure natural filtration. He doesn't have a skimmer, but has a sand bed, although I wouldn't call it a DSB, as I don't think that it's deeper than 4". He has no cyano problems, his corals have great coloration and grow steadily. I have to preface this statement though by stating that he does have a lower bio-load than most of us have.
I think the German reefkeepers are maybe thinking about more along these lines, but I haven't heard many people talking this way here in Sweden. I'm meeting up with some semi-local reefers though in two weeks and I'll talk with them about it.
I found two articles written by "Mike Paletta" I believe Mike made reference to one of his books in a podcast, thought someone would find them interesting.
the mud system was a fad for a while where i am in. it started about 5 yrs ago, hit its peak about 2 years ago, and now NO-BOBY uses it here anymore. just my imput.
Hi Chadfarmer....welcome!
I have used the MM in my fuge for a year or so with great results. Lots of pods, great coral color, great growth. So I though if a little is good maybe more would be better. It was recomended to replace 50% every six months. Well I did not want to disrupt my fuge so.... I put some in a filter sock in my canister filter. I found out that my water was clearer, and my corals really responded to it. I change it more often (1xmonth) as I believe the miracle was us used up faster, due to the faster water flow.
I think we all should experiment to some extent in this field. That's how we learn new things. My 2 cent for what its worth..
Victoria
I have not found the mud to be worth the investment by any stretch. Last I knew it was running $8 a pound. If it were $1 a pound I think it might be a reasonable purchase, but any amount over that is beyond its value IMHO. The methodology is sound, but all it is is ecology at work. There isn't any Miracle in the Miracle Mud if you ask me--just some biological principles at work. Personally, I would just plan to set-up as large a refugium as you possibly can for the tank. Put in some really fine sand as well as all different sizes of rock and rubble (rubble piles can be very, very productive for meiofauna), toss in some algae of your choice (Chaetomorpha is nice, I'd avoid Caulerpa) and light it. I think you'll be happy with the results. You may or may not wish to use a skimmer, depending.
there is a lfs in my area that suddenly went to mud systems a few years ago. he went from having some of the best tanks to becoming a local joke. he has since eliminated all his mud systems and his tanks are now back on track. he however still pushes the mud system because he still has a lot of inventory. from what i know, must of his customers have also discontinued the MM system, but he still insist that it is a good system. situations like this can confuse beginners and gave certain products more longevity than it deserves. i buy most of my stuff at my favorite lfs....but only products that the owner is willing to use himself.
is it possible to setup a mud based refugium in an established aquarium? i have a 90 gallon reef with 100 pounds of live rock.. but i am not sure if i should start up the refugium till i get some feedback.. in other words can i just turn on my refugium pump and be all set?
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