Is a refugium necessary?
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. Read on for an in-depth look at the numerous advantages and some of the considerations of including a refugium in your reef tank.
What is the benefit of a refugium?
Refugiums provide many benefits to saltwater or reef aquariums. They: Provide existing aquarium inhabitants with natural food sources such as phytoplankton and zooplankton. Filter water naturally (dramatically lowering nitrate and phosphate levels) and decrease the frequency of water changes that are needed.
Is a refugium better than a protein skimmer?
They both do great things but very differently. A skimmer will remove organics before they break down, and a refugium will remove them after. The benefit of the skimmer in that regard is that the nitrates stay lower to begin with, where a refugium needs nitrates so it has to compete with algae in the display.
Does a refugium affect pH?
A proper refugium growing macroalgae like chaetomorpha will rapidly consume excess carbon dioxide from the water, reducing carbonic acid and raising the pH level. A refugium also provides the additional benefits of removing nitrates and phosphates and competes with nuisance algae in your display.
Do I need refugium in sump?
So Yes, you can run a system without a refugium. But, even if you only have a little extra room in the sump, it’s so easy to throw a little light in there and some cheato, and you’re now off and running.
Can I put fish in my refugium?
Fish, snails, shrimp, corals, crabs, corals, and copepods can all be put in the refugium. Though all of these animals can live in the refugium doing so could impact the goals you may have for your refugium.
Is a refugium a sump?
In fishkeeping, a refugium is an appendage to a marine, brackish, or freshwater fish tank that shares the same water supply. It is a separate sump, connected to the main show tank. For some applications water flow is limited in order to protect plants or animals that require slow flow.
Do I need a skimmer with a refugium?
A refugium is a place for critters to take refuge. Macro algae is for removing phosphates and nitrates. Skimmers are for removing disolved organics and particulate matter before they break down further into waste.
Why does pH drop at night?
It’s very normal for the pH to drop quite a bit during the late night hours. Photosynthesis isn’t taking place, hence no new oxygen is being produced. Another way to raise pH during the late night hours is to run a refugium filled with Macro Algae on a reverse light cycle.
