refugium

[ektorgt]

could somebody explain me what a refugium is and how it works and what is it for because ive been reading about making an aquaclear 500 filter into a hang on refugium but i have no idea what it does to the tank or how it helpsss...
thank youuuuuuuuu

[azn_fishy55]

a refugium is an isolated area where natural live foods like coepods and amphipods can reproduce without the interfearence of predators. Also a place to put live sand and to keep macro algae(and mangroves) where it cannot be eaten.Larger refugiums can house other critters like mantis shrimp and sea horses(if large enough).

[seaham358]

They also help in the reduction of nitrates, the main reason I have them on my tanks.. LS can be left out and LR rubble is also a good idea for them if you have room

[azn_fishy55]

srry if i did not include that I am not really a SW person but I have researched for a long time.

[beachbumin]

Refugiums are a great tool if you are serious about keeping a good looking tank. They help keep the water levels good and I noticed a large change in the overall quality of the tank when I installed my HOB model.

[ektorgt]

thanks everyonee....

alright so ill buy an aquaclear 500, some live rock and live sand and dump it int there and thats it.... ill have a refugium which will improve the water quality...fair enough

[seaham358]

your going to want the macroalgae or caluerpa if you really want to inprove your nitrates. LR and LS alone in a fuge that size wont do much.

[awillemd1]

Actually, there is a lot more to it. Here is a link to an article on this website discussing refugiums http://www.aquariumadvice.com/showqu...q=2&fldAuto=33

Also, here is another link that I have found very useful information regarding refugiums as well as other SW things http://www.melevsreef.com/. Also, note the recommendation on an inexpensive light source for a refugium http://www.melevsreef.com/fuge_bulb.html

I hope this helps.

Willem

[austinsdad]

Check this Aquafuge out. This is the one I have on my 72g. Holds 5g, I think, and it's the largest one they sell. And like Seaham 358 said, a small fuge won't do much for your tank.

[mykpoz]

i agree you can spend 10-40 bucks more and get a ready to go HOB fuge... im getting the large one for my 75g

[austinsdad]

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Large-CPR-Aq...QQcmdZViewItem

Oops. Forgot to attach the link. $79 bucks on Ebay for the large one.