Homemade Refugium

A refugium can house tiny creatures that fish would normally eat.

According to "Using a Refugium" by Terry Siegal on FishChannel.com, the benefits of adding a refugium for a saltwater or reef tank include removal of nitrates caused by decaying organic matter, plus creating a protected environment for beneficial organisms such as zooplankton or macroalgae. Some aquarists use refugiums to grow out corals or house fragile animals like clams or fish fry that might get eaten in the main aquarium. Sometimes, life in the refugium is as interesting as in the main tank.

Things You'll Need

• 10 to 30-Gallon Acrylic Fishtank
• Acrylic Cutter
• Pvc Piping
• Silicone Sealant
• 2 Submersible Pumps
• Live Sand and Rock
• Macroalgae, Plants, Corals

Instructions

1. Place a 10 to 30-gallon acrylic tank on a stable surface near your main aquarium.

2. Cut a hole (the same size as your pvc piping) on one of the two smaller acrylic panels of your tank--the one which sits closest to your aquarium. Cut the hole near the center of the panel. This will be your refugium outflow.

3. Cut another hole (the same size as your pvc piping) on the other of the two smaller acrylic panels of your tank--the one which sits further from your aquarium. Cut this hole several inches higher than the hole for the outflow. This will be your refugium inflow.

4. Seal PVC into each hole with silicone sealant until it is watertight. Both pipes must lead into your main aquarium, from opposite sides of your aquarium to create inflow to your aquarium from your refugium and outflow from your aquarium to your refugium.

5. Place a submersible pump in your main aquarium to send water flowing through your inflow pipe into your refugium.

6. Place a submersible pump in your refugium outflow pipe to send water back into your aquarium.

7. Add several inches of live sand and rock, which contain beneficial bacteria and other tiny organisms, on the refugium bottom.

8. Add rocks with macroalgae, plants or corals you wish to grow in your refugium.

Tips & Warnings

• According to the article "Jaubert's Method, the Monaco System, Defined and Refined" by Julian Sprung, placing a base of plastic egg crate two to four inches above the refugium floor creates a space called a "plenum" which helps break down organic waste and oxygenate water.

• Use the correctly sized submersible pump for your water volume, including the gallons in your refugium.

References

• Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine: Jaubert's Method, the "Monaco System," Defined and Refined
• Fish Channel: Using a Refugium