I still don't understand.

[diamond]

I asked for a definition of a refugium yesterday and though I got a response , I still don't get it. I have a sump with a skimmer but apparently the refugium is something else. Someone please explain the difference.

 

[jimi]

It is basically a tank or container outside the main tank that may contain ls, lr, algae and a assortment of critters that can grow and multiply not disturbed by fish. It is fed by the main tank with very slow current. Its purpose can be to produce food like pods or other microorganisms and algae or to help reduce nitrates.

 

[diamond]

Can you put a refugium between the main tank and the sump and, if so, which way should the flow be. From the main tank through the refugium to the sump or from the sump to the refugium to the main tank?

 

[burnnspy]

A refugium is any tank with no predators. My reef tank is a refugium right now because i have no fish in it. Now the amphipod and copepod populations are making a come back because they are free to breed.
BurnNSpy

 

[nm reef]

A refugium is a seperate system connected to the display....purpose is to increase water capacity(and stabality)...predator free environment for pods and such...macro algae for nutrient export...I personally think they should be low flow and not connected to a sump....but there are numerous systems that have a refugium section in their sumps....mine is a 35 gal systenm with 4" dsb...rubble rock....caluperas....and has approximately 70-80 GPH flow......mine gravity returns to the display.......lighting is 2x40 watt no lamps that stay on 24/7 ... I also add my additives in the refugium via a home made drip system and all water changes are do there too.....