Need refugium?

White Hair · Nov 4, 2019

Had my tank now about 2weeks and read a lot about everything, refugium has come up several times, do i need one and can you get one going in a diy hob, i want to give my tank a fighting chance to be a star, thanks

Billldg · Nov 4, 2019

I wouldn't worry about that at this time, your tank is still very young. Many of us use a refugium to help keep nutrients on the very low side so we don't have to use chemicals to lower nitrates and phosphate. Remember though, unless you plan on keeping sps corals, lps and softies like a dirty tank.

lapin · Nov 4, 2019

I dont think you need one unless you are going to use it for something special. I have a 20G for my 600G system. It prob is not the correct size for filtration and nutrient reduction. I do like the pods, plants and stuff that is in there.

Mr Fishface · Nov 5, 2019

I highly recommend a refugium - one day though. Nothing to worry about in the beginning! They are a great place for pods to thrive and can help keep nutes lower down the road. I love all the life in my refugium. Again though, don't worry about adding one asap. They can be added any time. I have seen some small hob refugiums but, of course, one in a sump will be better and likely bigger.

Nooooooooob1 · Nov 5, 2019

You don't HAVE to have one, but I like to have a fuge/sump to hide all the equipment and such. You can always add one later on. I'm starting a new 75 gallon right now and won't be setting up the sump system until the cycle is most of the way through. The plumbing will be a little tricky because it's already up against the all but it's doable.

KGNickl · Nov 5, 2019

I would add one later on. You might start up and in 6 months decide you want a sump under your tank, a hob refugium, or your happy as is. Then you don't waste your time or money on a hob refugium. And you will be able to know the difference if you decide to go with one.

BeejReef · Nov 5, 2019

If your final plan was to have your refugium handling 70% of your filtration and be a major component, I'd get it going early on. Otherwise, doesn't feel too urgent. Another variable to deal with in an evolving tank.

living_tribunal · Nov 5, 2019

White Hair said:
Had my tank now about 2weeks and read a lot about everything, refugium has come up several times, do i need one and can you get one going in a diy hob, i want to give my tank a fighting chance to be a star, thanks

I'd say I prefer my refugium over my skimmer. If I had to choose, I probably would go with the refugium. It's just so beneficial in so many ways.

Nooooooooob1 · Nov 5, 2019

BeejReef said:
If your final plan was to have your refugium handling 70% of your filtration and be a major component, I'd get it going early on. Otherwise, doesn't feel too urgent. Another variable to deal with in an evolving tank.

What can be happening in your fuge that would have it handling 70% of your filtration? Just a boat load of live rock or bio media or what? I have a little bit of live rock rubble in my sump but wondering if I should add some more good sized rock.

living_tribunal · Nov 5, 2019

Nooooooooob1 said:
What can be happening in your fuge that would have it handling 70% of your filtration? Just a boat load of live rock or bio media or what? I have a little bit of live rock rubble in my sump but wondering if I should add some more good sized rock.

Running a butt load of macrofauna, having a crap ton of amphipods/other pods, some live rock.

When you get that fuge really full, it almost acts as filter floss as well.

BeejReef · Nov 5, 2019

Nooooooooob1 said:
What can be happening in your fuge that would have it handling 70% of your filtration? Just a boat load of live rock or bio media or what? I have a little bit of live rock rubble in my sump but wondering if I should add some more good sized rock.

Keep in mind I'm speaking from the VAST ;Shy experience I've accumulated over < 1 year of reefing..lol.
But, some peeps use a macroalgae fuge as their primary nutrient export. I have been for half a year. Skimmer pump died, got tired of socks... a big hunk of chaeto and a lot of rubble rock and I have a hard time getting N above 5 and keeping any P at all. Also a bag of carbon.

That's probably the far end of the spectrum, but I see a lot of peeps that lean heavy on their fuge.