what is a refugium?

[jake32010]

what is a refugium? how does it help your system? who much do they range in price?

 

[mg426]

A refugium is a remote tank or even a section of your sump that can house LR macroalgae or even a DSB. They help your system by providing nitrate and phosphate removal, and the macro algae can help your PH swings at night by using a reverse lighting schedule. As for cost if you do it your self the cost can be kept to a minimum.

 

[erendon]

DITO, it's a protected area where you can also get pods, fireworms and all the little stuff that would probably get eaten in your main tank by your fish. As far as the macroalgae you do have to prune it if it gets to crowded in the fuge.

 

[spike78]

Jake,

Try doing a little bit of research. Check out the search tools in the main part of this site. Another good source of information about several of these topics can be found here:

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/index.htm

I would also recommend the following books:

http://www.amazon.com/Reef-Aquarium...5762568?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194377434&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/Aquarium-Cora...5762568?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194377466&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.com/Reef-Inverteb...5762568?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194377466&sr=1-2

Good Luck...

 

[mg426]

You can find a decent light for a refugium here www.melevsreef.com

 

[zhenjw]

I just put a refugium in for my 100g reef tank and the results are immediately obvious. For one, there is no algae or cyano growth in the display tank as it is allowed to grow and then harvested in the refugium.

All toxin levels are extremely low and pH does not fluctuate because my fuge is on a 24 hr light cycle, providing CO2 export and O2 production to the tank. Also, the pod population has increased dramatically as they spread from refugium to overpopulate the display tank, feeding all inhabitants.

I would say invest in a sump that is either composed entirely of a refugium with a separate compartment for a skimmer, or invest in a sump and a separate refugium.

It acts as a filtration system and with a skimmer and diatom bags for further waste export it is basically all you need. Reduces water changes, provides food for the tank, and prevents crashes in water quality. AND it doesn't have to be large or costly, as I converted mine from a 20g sump and use a normal flourescent bulb for lighting.

 

[jake32010]

what is a good web site for the making of it and wat kind of plants and equipment do i need to make one

 

[bkoz]

http://www.melevsreef.com/