What does a refugium do in a saltwater tank?

What does a refugium do in a saltwater tank?

Refugiums provide many benefits to saltwater or reef aquariums. They: Provide existing aquarium inhabitants with natural food sources such as phytoplankton and zooplankton. Filter water naturally (dramatically lowering nitrate and phosphate levels) and decrease the frequency of water changes that are needed.

When should I add refugium to my reef tank?

You do not need a refugium until the nutrients rise. And you do not want nitrates to get too low either because your corals will struggle for lack of nutrients. Also certain problem algae like cyano bacteria tend to flourish in low nutrient levels.

What do you put in the bottom of a refugium?

The best substrates to use for a refugium include live sand, live rock, live rock rubble, Marine Pure blocks, Miracle Mud, or just leaving the refugium bare bottom.

What is the point of a refugium?

A refugium is generally used to provide delicate species with safety, protecting them from the larger fish in the main tank. Refugiums are often used to grow copepods as food for their aquarium fish, or to raise delicate species of fish or coral.

Do you need a refugium for copepods?

I would recommend a refugium for pods and other microfauna to safely reproduce but is not needed 100%. I kept a mandarin happy and healthy in my 45 without a refugium. Just reseeded the tank every 2 months via algae barn.

Should you put sand in your 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. Likewise, LR and media is personal preferences in the refugium.

Should I put live rock in my refugium?

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 you put snails in a refugium?

Fish, snails, shrimp, corals, crabs, corals, and copepods can all be put in the refugium.

Can a refugium be placed next to a main tank?

Most agree that placing the refugium as close to the main tank as possible is the way to go. Many aquarists have simply set a 10-gallon aquarium on a table next to its big brother. This works, ​but requires a water return pump unless draining back into a sump or main tank.

What are the benefits of a refugium in an aquarium?

There are many benefits to building or creating a refugium in your saltwater aquarium. It allows for additional surface area for beneficial bacteria to grow, which filters out nitrates and nutrients in an efficient and natural way. They also provide a habitat for small beneficial organisms so they can reproduce without getting eaten.

Where does the water come from in a refugium?

Time to make a point: The water entering the refugium should come from below the main tank’s water surface—not from the overflow—if so equipped. Why? Surface water is skimmed from the main tank into the overflow.

Do you need a light for a refugium?

Last, you will need a light. There are many options for refugium lights and depending on your standards and budget, it should not be too difficult to find the one for you. After considering and planning the previous topics, you will be ready to set up your new refugium.