When should I add refugium to my reef tank?

When should I add refugium to my reef tank?

You do not need a refugium until the nutrients rise. And you do not want nitrates to get too low either because your corals will struggle for lack of nutrients. Also certain problem algae like cyano bacteria tend to flourish in low nutrient levels.

Is a refugium necessary for a reef tank?

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.

Do you need a refugium for a sump?

You do not need a refugium for a saltwater tank. I would recommend a sump with some sort of mechanical filtration (filter sock or bag). As long as you have sufficient biological filtration within your display tank, keep your bio load reasonable and have efficient skimming you should not need a refugium.

What is the difference between a sump and refugium?

A sumps purpose is to hold additional water and equipment. A refugium is lit and usually contains macro algae.

How long should I run my refugium lights?

8-12 hours is a decent starting point. You don’t want to run it 24/7.

How to set up a refugium?

Substrate. When it comes to setting up the perfect refugium,you have to have the right substrate.

Lighting. If you have a hang off or in-tank refugium,the lighting from the main tank will suffice.

Water Flow. The water flow to and from your refugium depends on what you are wishing to keep in it.

Macroalgae.

Creatures!

Is a refugium necessary?

They aid in stabilizing the water, maintaining a healthy amount of oxygen. When used as a part of a sump, refugiums also mean that you can add trace elements into your aquarium when necessary. The main reason why you would want to use a refugium is because of the life you can maintain in the mini aquarium.

Do you need a sump for a saltwater tank?

Although a sump or a refugium is not a requirement for any saltwater tank, there are many reasons why they are so popular. To start with they add a lot of volume, which helps a lot with chemical stability. They also offer somewhere to hide a lot of equipment.

What is a saltwater refugium?

A refugium is a small aquarium that either sits next to or hangs onto an existing saltwater or reef aquarium. This is used by a growing number of aquarists to continually cycle water into and out of the existing tank. A refugium typically contains aragonite live rock, macroalgae , and a deep sand or mud bed.