Is a refugium the same as a sump?
A sumps purpose is to hold additional water and equipment. A refugium is lit and usually contains macro algae.
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.
Can the sump be a refugium?
From the onset, it’s helpful to understand the differences between sumps and refugia. Yes, they both serve as reservoirs for recirculating aquarium systems. And they are, indeed, plumbed in the same general manner. A sump might also contain a refugium or vice versa, but that is about where the similarities end.
Is a refugium a filter?
A refugium is, very simply put, a place of refuge, and they can have many different functions. There is even a type of refugium called a cryptic zone, which gets no light and is used to grow live sponges which are fantastic natural filters. But refugiums come in many different forms.
What is a refugium good for?
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.
How does a refugium sump work?
How does a refugium work? With a refugium, detritus and uneaten food settles within the rock and deep sand, where the micro crustaceans such as amphipods and copepods will feed upon it. As a result, aquarium water quality is maintained in a natural and efficient manner.
When should I start a refugium 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.
Is Chaeto necessary?
If the fishes and corals of your reef tank are under threat due to high levels of nitrates and phosphates in the water, it is Chaeto that can come to your help. Chaeto feeds and grows on phosphates and nitrates of the tank water. Thus, it keeps those elements in check and maintains a healthy tank.
How does a sump refugium work?