Refugium Questions?

[smelleybrad]

Everybody knows I new to this so I have a new question.

What is a refugium?
Is it really important to have one?
Can I build one? and HOW?
What are all the parts I will need?

[Polkster13]

Refugium can be either a separate tank or part of your sump (think refuge or place of shelter). It typically is a place with a small amount of water movement and contains macro algae and small critters (pods, et cetera) that are used to help take up excess nutrients. It is usually plumbed down-stream of a protein skimmer. Yes you can build one it just depends on the type of tank and how much room you have wither under or around your tank. Do a Google search and you will find tons of additional information.

[smelleybrad]

I have a 125 not drilled, no protien skimmer yet, but plenty of room under the tank.

[Polkster13]

You can put an overflow box in the aquarium to get water down to your sump. You can then create a middle section in your sump to be a refugium. Then you can put sand, macro algae, snails, pods, a mangrove and stuff like that in this section. You will need a light on this part of the sump as well and I would recommend putting a timer on this light and have in on an opposite photo period from your main tank. At the far end of the sump, you will have a pump to pump the water back up into the main tank. You can look into something along the lines of a 55 gallon tank for your sump. Here is a good web site that describes these things in even more detail along with plans on making your own as well as lots of pictures.

http://melevsreef.com/

[smelleybrad]

Thanks for the help.

[Polkster13]

You're welcome. Let us know if you have any other questions.

[MikeyBoy]

The fuge, its growth, critters and such can be just as cool to keep and eye on as the main tank.
Weird things see to grow there!!

[NaCl_H2O]

Everybody knows I new to this so I have a new question.

What is a refugium?
Is it really important to have one?
Can I build one? and HOW?
What are all the parts I will need?

Whoa boy, slow it down a tad ;) You don't "Need" a fuge on your 125g, and you would probably be better off getting the hang of the 125, overflow, skimmer, etc. before complicating things with a fuge. Take your time, read a lot, and enjoy your education ;)

Best thing you can do is visit others and see what they have done, then read some more.

[smelleybrad]

I think I just need somebody that lives close to swing by my house and take a look and see if everything looks right or could be better. It would be alot better than trying to explain it. Brad

[OldSalty]

Get with Dan, he can design and build any type of sump of fuge you want 8)

[NaCl_H2O]

I think I just need somebody that lives close to swing by my house and take a look and see if everything looks right or could be better. It would be alot better than trying to explain it. Brad

What part of SA? Let's see who is close?

[Tim Marvin]

Pete also builds sumps. These guys can get you fixed up.

[ansonluna]

Brad, I just got my 125 up and running weekend before last w/ my old 55 gal as a sump/fuge. I live off of Hamilton Wolfe, right by the intersection of Eckert and Babcock. You can come by and take a look anytime...although I always work at night. The only problem I have is that I can only get the 55 in and out of the stand by removing the 125 from up top. ^_^ and thats not that big of a deal.

[smelleybrad]

I live on Ft. Sam Houston.