SPS and Refugiums

[MACH5]

Hey guys,

I am currently doing an SPS (mainly acroporas) tank upgrade. I'm going from a 78 to a 90. A small physical upgrade but huge in terms of overall design. I'm trying not to overlook anything in the process and one question I have is how important a refugium really is? I understand well the benefits but I must say I have had great success with SPS for years without the benefit of having one.

Regardless, should I plan to have one in my new system? Would it be a crime not to??!! How many of you have/don't have one??

Many thanks!!

 

[plyle02]

Not necessary IMO...
You will find many that do not have a refugium who run sps tanks. I run ULNS with Zeovit, and recently employed a sort of cryptic non lit additional 20 gallon tank on my 70 cube which has 30lbs of fresh liverock. Hard to indicate any real benefits yet, but the thought is to create a tank with sponges and micro life to aid in balance and filter feeding. Not a must, but can benefit in the addition of more total water volume.

 

[MACH5]

Thanks Perry! Makes sense. I may just throw some live rock in the new sump for more biodiversity but not sure yet. I am definitely leaning towards not having one again. Currently looking to purchase an AE Tech 48 Berlin Pro sump.

 

[Znut Reefer]

I started a refug about a month ago. No sand, just live rock and chaeto macro algae. I don't want to use GFO, or any of the ULNS systems. I prefer a more natural approach.

 

[broke1]

I am more into the natural systems as well. I have a 90ish gallon DT with a 75g macro fuge and 50g Mangove fuge. I do run GFO(still have some algae issues), but other than that it's completely natural. I think they are just cool, the fact they are useful also makes them even cooler.

 

[MACH5]

Yes I guess that's the difference sometimes. Natural vs chemical. I don't mind a chemical approach to get the job done but I completely understand why some of us prefer more natural approaches.

 

[jhawkor]

I started a refug about a month ago. No sand, just live rock and chaeto macro algae. I don't want to use GFO, or any of the ULNS systems. I prefer a more natural approach.

Same here.