What Is Refugium?

[springnite]

Hello bros, if i'm going to build a 36''x18''x18'' tank then do i need a refugium ? What is a refugium too ?

 

[SkiFletch]

Loosly, a refugium is a place in your water system to grow macro algae to help in nutrient export (nitrates especially), and/or a place to grow pod life. Most people with nano tanks will setup a small hang on back refugium if they're savvy enough. FOr those of us with larger tanks, a refugium section of the sump is usually the way its done. One of the sections of my sump is a refugium with culerpa growing in it. The other uncommon location for a refugium is above the display tank when pods are a necessity.

 

[crazyelece]

A refugium is exactly what its name implys. It is a refuge for live that is otherwise undesirable or unattainable in the main display. Algeas are commonly placed there to provide the beneficial nutrient export without the "dirtiness" of being in the display tank. Pods are also common to grow in a refugium where they are free to populate without being instantly consumed by livestock. Refugiums are also good for other things like to place unidentified creatures or fish that need a little isolation for whatever reason. Also zero light refugiums are starting to gain popularity to grow things like sponges and other beneficial creatures that would otherwise perish in the bright light of the display tank. So in essence a refugium is an area that is separate from the main display and is used for a variety of purposes.

 

[gatorman543]

Crazy could you give me or this thread some more information on these zero light fuges, i am in the process of building my system, and this zero light fuge sounds intereisting, but i need a little bit more info

 

[crazyelece]

Well one of the guys in my local club has a 300+ gallon display. This drains to a 120 gal (4x2x2) sump where heaters, skimmers, etc. are. From here the water is cycled 4 places. 1) Back to the display, 2) To another 120 (4x2x2) as a standard refugium with cheato, 3) To another 120 (4x2x2) with just extra live rock, and 4) another 120 (4x2x2) setup as a zero light or cryptic refugium. Everything drains to the sump tank.

Now the cryptic refugium is painted black on three sides, has the bottom covered with sand, the top covered with plywood, and a plywood cover on the front. The only time a light is turned on over it is when he is checking everything out. I think it basically just has a bunch of live rock in it with livestock that requires no light such as sponges. It is just a refugium for different beneficial creatures that either don't live with or don't like light.