Help me clear up the Sump v Refugium

[Dsobo]

Have a question that I know has been asked a million times but here goes.

My tank is a 60 gallon cube it's been up and running for 5 months and for the most part I have had great luck, I am running just a 20 gallon sump with a Reef Octopus skimmer. I have 6 corals, 8 fish and the necessary inverts oh also 2 sea stars and 1 urchin. I started out using the sump due to my great friend who owns a LFS suggested that's all I needed to use and there was really no need to get into a refugium .

My question is why do I keep thinking I am missing out on something by not having a refugium? Every time I read information everyone or at least the majority all have refugiums installed, please try and help me understand the million dollar question.

Thank you in advance.

 

[huuta]

a refugium purpose is to grow macro algeas to export nitrate and phosphate.It's also a place for pods to grow to help feed your fish

 

[Dsobo]

Thanks jut was wondering if it would benefit me to put a refugium in?

 

[Phyber]

It can also be used as a "cool down" area...I often put troublesome hermits or corals in need of some R&R in a low flow area.

My fuge has just about as many corals as the display.

 

[Pappy]

a refugium purpose is to grow macro algeas to export nitrate and phosphate.It's also a place for pods to grow to help feed your fish

+1

 

[Dsobo]

Thanks I think I have decided to switch my sump out to fuge soon. I think in the long un it will be beneficial.

 

[M@!]

I think what is being defined above can more likely be described as a "Live" sump. By definition a refugium is more likely an appendage to a marine that shares the same water supply and is used as a provide a refuge for inhabitants that cannot survive in the main tank. For some applications water flow is limited in order to protect plants or animals that require slow flow.

 

[3Twinklets]

I have been wanting to replace my not so user friendly sump out since I bought the tank setup. I wonder who are the expert sump people among our sponsors.
I also agree about the refugium. I would like one also. Would be great to be able to store some brine shrimp in.