How to Use a Refugium

A refugium is an area of your saltwater tank that has been set aside from the main aquarium. Refugiums are generally used to give the creatures "inside" protection from the creatures "outside." These smaller creatures may not be part of the design of the aquarium, but almost always play some important role. Refugiums can be used to raise feeder organisms, algae or young fish. They can be placed in several different ways, but almost always fulfill the same role of increasing your tank's capacity and providing a protected area. They always play a direct roll in the circulation and filtration systems of a saltwater tank.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Substrate (coral, sand)
• Refugium tank
• Refugium tubing
• Rubber cement
• Overflow box (for above-tank refugium)
• Control valve

Instructions

1. Build your refugium substrate for any form of refugium. Substrate should be a mix of semi-coarse sand and coral, and can be up to 6 inches thick. Enclosed refugiums, which hang inside your tank, should not have any substrate

2. Drill a hole in the side of your main tank, unless you're using an enclosed refugium, a compartment that hangs inside your tank. Sump, above-tank and hanging refugiums will need a source of water. For a sump refugium (one that sits under the tank) or hanging refugium (one that hangs on the outside), drill a second hole. There should be tubes leading to and from the main tank for water circulation. For an above-tank refugium, install the overflow box in the refugium. Water will be pumped into the refugium via the hose, and go back to the main tank via the overflow mechanism.

3. Secure the hoses to and from the main tank, and seal them with rubber cement to prevent leakage.

4. Place your pump inside a refugium sump, with the tubes running to and from the main tank accordingly. Place a control valve in the tube directly above the pump, so you can maintain an even flow of water into and out of the refugium. If you're using an above-tank or hanging refugium, the water pump should remain in the main tank but still be directly connected to the refugium. Place a control valve on the hose leading from the pump to the refugium for the same reason.

5. Fill your refugium. Any refugium can be used to separate and protect fish and food sources. Your refugium can also be used for plants, live rock and as a hatchery.

Tips & Warnings

• Sump refugiums are a good place to store or "hide" your pump equipment.

• Small fish should not be kept in above-tank refugiums, as they will be washed back into the main tank by the overflow box.

References

• Building a Refugium
• What is a Refugium
• Variations on a Refugium