Fuge Confusion

[rtbell1771]

One of the things that changed for me from reefing over 20+ years ago is the now common use of a refugium. I am currently getting ready to my 90 gallon setup and I made provisions to add a refugium in the sump. I made some alterations to the used Synergy sump to allow for this. The plan is Figi Pink sand - 100# and 140# of Figi live rock in the DT. My question is: Is the refugium really needed with all of the live rock/sand? 20+ years ago, my corals and fish thrived without a refugium. Do I just put some BOI blocks in the sump and see what happens, or set up the refugium the same time my rock is curing? Maybe it's an easier decision than I think... I'm struggling a bit with the right direction to go. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[X-37B]

Its just another way to run a reef.
IMO its not needed but many like to run one.
Its a personel choice.
For me it would just be another thing to maintain so I do not run one.
Filter sock, good skimmer, live rock, good flow, is all I need.
I do run 3 liters of eheim substrate pro in a mesh bag in my sump.
They may help keep nitrates low.

 

[dbowman5]

I agree with 90's'. the reasons i decided to run one are the things that a fuge does: 1. pH and CO2/O2 stability are enhanced by having the fuge light cycle opposite of the DT with macroalgae photosynthesizing during the night. 2. the ability to grow microfauna that is not immediately snapped up by the livestock. 3. extra water volume for the system. 4.
having a time out tank for sensitive organisms that matches the DT. and having another thing to maintain is a feature for some. I am new to the hobby and haven't gotten past the freshman overload enthusiasm. lol
Whatever you decide share how it works out for you.

 

[X-37B]

I agree with 90's'. the reasons i decided to run one are the things that a fuge does: 1. pH and CO2/O2 stability are enhanced by having the fuge light cycle opposite of the DT with macroalgae photosynthesizing during the night. 2. the ability to grow microfauna that is not immediately snapped up by the livestock. 3. extra water volume for the system. 4.
having a time out tank for sensitive organisms that matches the DT. and having another thing to maintain is a feature for some. I am new to the hobby and haven't gotten past the freshman overload enthusiasm. lol
Whatever you decide share how it works out for you.

I have no problem with ph and I run a carx.
I also have a 45 frag/lagoon system setup with the same parameters as my 120, no fuge.
Plus my sump runs no baffles and is easy to clean.
I dont want light in my sump as it makes a huge mess in short time imo.
A remote fuge would be ok though if I had the room

 

[rtbell1771]

Just like you dbowman5, I probably suffer from the same freshman overload enthusiasm syndrome, and wouldn't mind the work - for now. My dream would be to have a mangrove refugium - down the road. I think for now I start 90's reefer style and see where my tank takes me. Thanks to both of you for your insight.