what is a refugium?

[jennie]

Hi,
I am quite the newbie. I don't know what a refugium is or if I need one and what do I do to get one? I have a 12 gallon eclipse.
THanks

 

[jcrim]

A refugium is essentially another tank that is used to grow macro algae. This has two purposes: 1) adds total water to the system which helps the tank be more stable, 2) the macro algae helps to break down nitrates in the tank and generally beneficial pods grow in the refugium.
A refugium will be a benefit to any tank, but in a 12 gallon tank a refugium may be overkill. The benefit of the eclipse tank is that it's pretty self contained. To add a refugium would mean an overflow, the fuge tank and a light over the fuge. I wouldn't do it just for a 12 gallon. Just my opinion.

 

[fedukeford]

a refugium is a samll tank that either hangs off the back of your tank, or if your tank is drilled, it is under or next to the tank.. it holds algea (calpura, buble algea, ect.) and usuall has a deep sand bed, or miracle mud in it, its a VERY good source of natural filtration, and if you have a manderine or scooter blenny, it is a place where pods (which is what maderines and scoot blennys eat) can live and thrive without bring eaten

 

[fedukeford]

aww i type too slow

 

[xrobbx03]

would you recommend a refugium for a 38 gallon or can i do without one

 

[fisherson]

i've had a scooter bleny happy as can be for over 8 months in a 55 gallon tank so tehre not nesissary...not that i'm saying my tank wouldn't be better off with one.

 

[kaseykagan]

Is a refugium and a sump the same thing? We have a 55gallon and in the process of transferring to a 155 gallon. We were told to set up a sump, is it the same?

 

[mythrenody]

A sump is the same,but has more room to put your skimmer,heater,and whatever else you dont want hanging on your tank. A refugium and a sump can be combined.