Refugium Basics and/or Examples

[Escapist]

I have been doing a lot of reading and thoroughly enjoy the amount of information that is shared here.

I have a question, hopefully not too broad, regarding what a typical refugium is and the purpose that it serves.

From my limited understanding it seems that a refugium can be used as a sort of spare bedroom off the main tank which houses more delicate species that would otherwise be eaten or destroyed by occupants of the main tank. Does a refugium equate to a refuge for seahorses, shrimps and other small creatures that add benefit to the over all tank environment but are kept safely out of harms way? Is a refugium simply a man made tide pool for the aquarium, which should be proudly displayed as an extension to the main tank?

Or is a refugium basically a side tank that is hidden away somewhere, with the main purpose of growing desirable algae and other plant life to provide biological filtration?

Could a nano tank be incorporated to be a refugium? Would this combo allow the hobbyist to have the best of two tanks, which could allow for different lighting parameters and water depth without the need for duplicate filtration systems?

I would love to see photos of what others have done in regards to their refugium systems.

I couldn’t find any existing strings on this subject when I did a search on the term refugium.

 

[Iguana79]

Here is mine I am setting up. Still in the process of getting this sucker all together. From Left To Right; Inlet from main tank into sump, Skimmer, Live rock (Bio filtration), Into second sump (Soon to be refugium) and then into my return/equipment holder.

I still have to make some holes in the baffle on the refugium side to allow water to flow a little better to the return, as I’m getting stagnant water and things starting to collect on the top. Anyways I know it isn't much but it’s something I put together since I didn't have enough room in my first sump. And I didn't feel like throwing out my brand new sump I just bought and replace it with another tank that I would have had to spend just as much money on to make all the baffles and stuff. Hope this kindda helps.

 

[Rue]

I think you have a good handle on it...it can be as simple or as complicated as you want it...

I've also seen some hang-on-tank refugiums for sale...