Refugium placement?

info_sponge

info_sponge

Member
I have read several things about refugiums, but which is better idea?
Should you place it in you pipe BEFORE your skimmer (if you have one)For example... let your tank overflow into it, then into your sump.
Or should you put it right before your return?
If you do the latter, does this help get some stuff into your tank for your corals to snack on? ie marine snow type material? I would think your skimmer would take ALL of it out.
 
nm reef

nm reef

Active Member
This is a question like..."what type of lighting should I use"...you'll get an assortment of answers...
Myself I've got my refugium isolated...I pump from the display directly to my refugium and then it gravity returns back to the display...and for me the flow rate is rather slow compared to a lot of set-ups I've seen(approximately 70-80 GPH)
I set mine up in this manner intentionally to allow slow flow for the caluperas to flourish and export excess nutrients...plus to allow for a good environment for pod reproduction....plus with the gravity return there is no concern with damage to pods returning to the display....this type set-up is working well for me...
But like I said there are numerous options......best I could advise is to carefully plan your system to meet the needs and desires of your situation.
Bottom line though is I personally believe that any type of refugium or sump/refugium can be a positive addition to a system...provides remote access for water changes and equipment...increases water volume...provides potential for excess nutrient export...allows for predator free pod population...can inprove filtering abality...so by all means go for it and good luck....*_^
 
broomer5

broomer5

Active Member
Similar situation here.
Got most of my hardware purchased for my refugium, but unfortunately ... it's impractical for me to go with a gravity feed from the refugium back to the display tank. I'm considering an under the tank refugium.
My primary goal is nitrate reduction, but an increase in pods and other microcritters would be a plus.
If I have my refugium gravity feed to my sump, will I lose most of the pods from shooting them up the MagDrive return pump. My skimmer will be in an isolated area of the sump, away from the refugium discharge point.
I think I already know the answer .. but would like to hear from others familiar with set up.
Am I wasting my time?
Sorry to jump in on your post Info_Sponge.
Maybe we both get some good advise here.
 
nm reef

nm reef

Active Member
I have heard in several different situations where people use pumps that pods do survive...but I think some must be damaged......in my case it was just more practical to isolate mine without a sump and gravity return.....I seriously believe that positive benefits can be achievied with any type refugium/sump set-up......I guess the good will out weigh the bad.......
 
broomer5

broomer5

Active Member
Thanks NM reef
Always have valued your judgment ;)
I'll let ya know how it works out in a few weeks.
 
D

diatom

Guest
Info~
It's better to use water directly from the tank, not skimmed water as it has more food for your critters to eat.
Broomer~
I have an under the tank fuge that overflows into my sump then is pumped back into my tank. I'm sure I do loose a few critters to the pump, but not as many as you might think. I'm sure you'll be happy with it.
 
D

diatom

Guest
Broomer~
Mucho Gusto!
Good luck and let us know how you like it.
 
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