Do I need a refugium for this tank

[jayjay5531]

Suppose I want to keep a mandarin in a 36 gallon tank. Is there any advantage to having a refugium? Could I just throw in a bunch of chaeto and amphipods in the main tank? I currently have around 40 pounds of live rock and around 3 inches of sand.

In general, what is the advantage of keeping a refugium other than having a safe place to grow pods away from hungry wrasses and the like ?

 

[mcgyvr]

If you have to ask you aren't ready for a mandarin :frog:

 

[Sk8r]

A mandarin cannot survive even a few weeks in a 36 gallon tank even WITH a refugium.

 

[gone fishin]

I would suggest holding off on a mandarin in that size tank. More than likely the mandy will not fare well.

There will probably be some folks that disagree but these are the exception rather than the norm. They have very specific setups and a great dedication.

 

[heathlindner25]

Did someone say a mandy won't live in a small tank?...

 

[jayjay5531]

Ok, thanks for the responses! Sounds like I shouldn't get one then.

Still wondering about refugiums though. Do they have a purpose beyond isolating pods and algae away from fish who might eat it all?

 

[gone fishin]

Ok, thanks for the responses! Sounds like I shouldn't get one then.

Still wondering about refugiums though. Do they have a purpose beyond isolating pods and algae away from fish who might eat it all?

I have 30g fuge plumbed into my sump. Not so much for the pods but I use it for nutrient export.

 

[Subsea]

Refugiums can grow utilitarian macro that can be pruned for nutrient export. If the utilitarian macro is ediable it can be feed to fish as nutrient recycling.

 

[jayjay5531]

Refugiums can grow utilitarian macro that can be pruned for nutrient export. If the utilitarian macro is ediable it can be feed to fish as nutrient recycling.

Ah that makes sense. Thanks!

 

[Coreybg]

great nutrient exporter