Miracle Mud

[soekopup]

Can anyone give me the layman's term for this. I have been doing alot of reading but have yet to completley understand exactly what it is. Hope I am not sounding too stupid. What exactly is it made of and is it best for a refugium. If so what are the benefits and what is the best type, place to obtain some ect. Sorry to put forth so many questions.
Thank you Rick

[Chuck S]

I will be very delicate as not to piss off the ecosystem groupies. There are alot of people who swear by this stuff. I have one and will give my objective opinion as I am one who beleives in trying something to see what all the buzz is about.

Ecosystem will not say what it is made of so chances are your question will remain unanswered. As far as its effect. HMM I heard all these great things about it so about 6 months ago to try it out. I recieved a 25gallon tank from a friend who was moving. Because of the size of the stand adding a sump was a bit frustrating getting things right. I dropped that idea and actually shelled out for a Ecosytem 40 Hang on the Back.

So now for my observations.

1. No real amazing results to say. The tank is okay so there seems to be no real amazing mud properties.

2. The main reason for system to work is basically algal assimilation of nutrients through constant lighting cycle. This is the so called secret.

3. Heat is an issue?? This tank runs a bit warmer because of the constant lighting from the Ecosystem filter and its slow flow allowing the water to warm a bit. Not a problem in winter but had me sweating in the summer /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Overall opinion is you could build a refugium which would be lighted 24/7 with Southdown Sand and achieve the same results. Alas at a much cheaper cost than an Ecosystem.

[SueT]

I do not know what Leng Sy's reciepe is for the mud, but I do know it works and works great for me. I have had one tank set-up right off with the mud, my 180 and another that was switched over to the mud and is way better off as an ecosystem than berlin style system, the 120. The mud is used only in the sump and should be used as close to the recommended way as possible to acheive the success that can be had from them. I am keeping sps corals, clams, and my fish have never been so healthy.

I have never had any heat issues as I run chillers on both tanks, the slower water flow is only to insure the mud doesn't become displaced, thus clouding the tank. I don't believe there is any secret that is being spoken of but the numbers of folks trying the ecosystems out is growing and I believe if going into this with an open mind not expecting something unachievable you would be more than happy with the results. The idea of a maintenance-free tank appeals to you then this may be what you are looking for. There is just enough good things that come from the ecosystems that they balance out the myths.