Sump Vs. Refugium

Refugiums are living filters for saltwater reef aquariums.

Sumps and refugiums are filtration devices used for saltwater reef tanks. They are similar because they are both separate from the main display tank. Sumps are very basic sump systems, and refugiums are more advanced.

Sump Description

A reef aquarium is usually fitted with an overflow that drains into a sump container. A pump located in the sump returns water to the main display portion of the aquarium.

Sump Benefits

Sumps keep the main display aquarium water level constant by providing an extra water supply that automatically makes up for evaporation and other water losses. Sumps also provide a convenient place for non-display accessories such as heaters, filtration media and skimming devices.

Refugium Description

Emerald crabs are one of the many creatures that feed on waste in a reef aquarium.

A refugium is a sump that supports life; it is a living aquarium filter. A refugium provides a suitable habitat for microscopic and other tiny organisms. These organisms filter a reef tank by feeding on waste materials in the water.

Refugium Components

Mangrove and live rock in a refugium provide biological filtration.

Refugiums are essentially separate aquariums that require an aquarium lighting system. A refugium includes some or all or the following: a bed of marine live sand, live rock, a large population of algae, mangroves and sand-sifters such as starfish and sea cucumbers.

Refugium Benefits

Refugiums provide what is known as complete-cycle filtering because the waste in the main tank is used to nourish an ecosystem that in return keeps the main tank healthy and clean. This method of filtering is very healthy for a reef tank because it closely mimics the natural processes of coral reef ecosystems.

References

• The Conscientious Marine Aquarist; Robert Fenner; 2001
• The Reef Aquarium: Science, Art, and Technology; J. Charles Delbeek and Julian Sprung; 2005
• What Is A Refugium