Will This HOB Refugium Work for my Tank?

Reefer37 · Jul 16, 2020

I bought this small CPR HOB Refugium from Aquacave.

CPR AQUA-FUGE 2 Hang-On-Back Refugium, Small - AquaCave.com

AQUA-FUGE 2 HANG-ON REFUGIUM Small by CPR Aquatic. New water spout model.CPR's AquaFuge 2 hang-on refugiums come in three different sizes to meet the needs of marine aquarists.Each model comes with its own powerhead and features a unique baffle system that prevents the substrate and organisms...

www.aquacave.com

I had read awesome reviews about these guys and thought I'd try it out on my JBJ 45, but now reading I'm wondering if I got too small of a size?
My ultimate goal is to support a pod population for a possible Mandarin Goby in the future. I've been letting my tank mature and it's coming up on the one year mark, so I thought this might help. Secondary would be nutrient reduction with nitrates and phosphates.

I know HOB refugium aren't always ideal, but with AIO and sumpless tanks, I think they can be a good benefit.

Any thoughts on if this will work?

Crabby48 · Jul 16, 2020

One thing to consider to have a refugium you Need extra nutrients to feed the macro algae.

Amstar · Jul 16, 2020

So I guess when you ask if it will work, to me it depends on what your goals are. Are you wanting just pods? Are you looking at it for biological filtration? How much live rock do you have in your tank? What are your parameters? What fish are you keeping

Reefer37 · Jul 17, 2020

Amstar said:
So I guess when you ask if it will work, to me it depends on what your goals are. Are you wanting just pods? Are you looking at it for biological filtration? How much live rock do you have in your tank? What are your parameters? What fish are you keeping

Mostly for pods, maybe some biological filtration. I have 40lbs of live rock in the tank. 2 clowns, a purple firefish, and a bicolor blenny.

I'll get you updated parameters tonight.

My question is I should have got one larger sizes? I was thinking smaller because my tank is smaller, but now I'm not sure.

Fishy212 · Jul 17, 2020

Its an overkill in my opinion. Just stick with the small. Remember you will have alot of light leakage into your room with the standard light or if you decide to purchase an upgraded light. The pump that it comes with is a rio and its not that good and IMO is way too loud.

I have a medium one for 55 gallon display. Gives a wonderful place for my pods and macro algae to thrive.

Reefer37 · Jul 17, 2020

Fishy212 said:
Its an overkill in my opinion. Just stick with the small. Remember you will have alot of light leakage into your room with the standard light or if you decide to purchase an upgraded light. The pump that it comes with is a rio and its not that good and IMO is way too loud.

I have a medium one for 55 gallon display. Gives a wonderful place for my pods and macro algae to thrive.

Awesome, this is all good to know!

Any recommendations on a light? I was looking into an Innovative Marine ChaetoMax, Tunze 8831, or a Kessil H80. I'm open to other options though!

Fishy212 · Jul 17, 2020

I think the underwater application of the Tunze 8831 is your best bet. Keeps the light spillage into my sump area to a minimum. Good Luck!

AdamNC · Jul 17, 2020

They sell a light specific for this refugium.

CPR Refugium LED Light Small

CPR Aquatic LED Refugium LightsAvailable in 3 lengths, CPR's LED refugium lights are a perfect addition to any hang-on AquaFuge refugium. These LED lights are low wattage yet emit powerful daylight to help macroalgae and other livestock proliferate in your refugium. This simple strip...

www.championlighting.com

Reefer37 · Jul 17, 2020

AdamNC said:
They sell a light specific for this refugium.

CPR Refugium LED Light Small

CPR Aquatic LED Refugium LightsAvailable in 3 lengths, CPR's LED refugium lights are a perfect addition to any hang-on AquaFuge refugium. These LED lights are low wattage yet emit powerful daylight to help macroalgae and other livestock proliferate in your refugium. This simple strip...

www.championlighting.com

They do, I had read multiple reviews saying it wasn't that great for the price so I decided to pass.

tb582 · Jan 17, 2024

Fishy212 said:
Its an overkill in my opinion. Just stick with the small. Remember you will have alot of light leakage into your room with the standard light or if you decide to purchase an upgraded light. The pump that it comes with is a rio and its not that good and IMO is way too loud.

I have a medium one for 55 gallon display. Gives a wonderful place for my pods and macro algae to thrive.

When it comes to the pump do you have a suggested replacement/upgraded pump ? @Fishy212