Does a sump need a refugium?
The location of where your refugium is going to be is very important and the first thing you need to decide. The best place for it is in a sump. Having a refugium in a sump is the cheapest and most beginner friendly option. If you do not have a sump there are other methods, but ultimately having a sump will be best.
What is the difference between a refugium and a sump?
Sumps are primarily used for the storage of items of system equipment and can allow hobbyists to customize their filtration setup. Refugia are a little more versatile and can be utilized for improving biological filtration, breeding live foods, growing plants, and more.
How much flow does a refugium need?
The actual flow rate (how many times the water cycles through the tank) depends on what you’re keeping in the refugium. A basic rule of thumb is to change the refugium water volume in one hour (i.e. for a 20 gallon refugium, the water flow should be 20 gallons per hour (GPH).
Should I put sand in my refugium?
Depending on what you want to grow in the refugium. Certain macro or marine plants can be partial bury in the sand. If you don’t planned on have those, then no need for sand.
Are refugiums worth it?
Having a refugium is definitely worth it. It really helps the pod population in the tank and macro algae is great for nutrient export.
Is a refugium necessary for a reef tank?
You do not need a refugium to achieve a successful reef tank, but with so many benefits including a refugium in your system when possible has many advantages.
Should I put snails in my refugium?
To Snail or Not to Snail Once in the main tank, snails can either function to remove algae or as fish food. But if using the refugium to cycle, filter and maintain balance in a main saltwater tank, algae and plant-eating organisms, such as snails, should be limited.
Can refugium replace protein skimmer?
Skimmer vs refugium is kind of apples and oranges so it’s hard to suggest one or another. They both do great things but very differently. A skimmer will remove organics before they break down, and a refugium will remove them after.
How fast does Chaeto remove nitrates?
As far as how much nitrate and phosphate drops, it’s hard to say. Without knowing what’s being put in. If you’re adding food and its increasing nitrate by 2ppm a day and your chaeto is able to remove 2.5 to 3ppm per day it’s going to take a while to notice a difference.
Does Chaeto remove nitrates or phosphates?
Chaeto will remove more nitrate than phosphate but keep in mind. High nitrates are typically considered 20+ while high phosphates are considered 1+. Even though the algae removes more nitrate there is also almost always far more nitrate than phosphate in your tank.
What do you put in the bottom of a refugium?
Live Rock as Refugium Substrate Live rock can be a great substrate to use in the bottom of your refugium. Live rock in the refugium gives additional space for helpful bacteria to populate and serves as a main nutrient exporter in the reef aquarium. Live rock can also house microfauna like copepods and amphipods.
Can I put fish in my refugium?
Fish, snails, shrimp, corals, crabs, corals, and copepods can all be put in the refugium. Though all of these animals can live in the refugium doing so could impact the goals you may have for your refugium.
Are Refugiums worth it?
How to set up a refugium inside your sump?
– Live sand. You can use live sand from the main aquarium or get the starter sand from a store.
What should I put in my refugium?
– Vallisneria – Anubias – Echinodorus – Microsorum – Luffy moss balls – Java moss – Fontinalis
How to setup a DIY refugium?
Refugium setup. This is similar to the process of starting the aquarium but a little different. You do not need lighting or water circulation. And as long as the refugium setup is kept indoors and somewhat close to standard room temperature, you will not need any heating. Sump and Refugium Here are the steps for diy refugium:
What is a refugium and how is it helpful?
Separate Tank or In Sump Refugium. This is a stand-alone refugium set up above,below,or next to the display aquarium.