need or no need for refugium??

[dclegern]

I've been running a hang off back filter full of medium, a skimmer, and general powerhead........
Once I removed the sandbed and went with crushed coral, everything seemed to go smooth. Huge difference!!!

But wondering what the overall need for a refugium is!!! and or is what I'm already doing bypassing it?

Thanks again to you guys for the help

[hobogato]

a refugium is just a natural means for nutrient (mainly nitrate) removal. if you are doing something else to remove those and it is working, then you probably dont need a fuge now. as your tank matures and its bioload increases, a fuge would help you keep nitrates in check.

[justahobby]

Algae in the bottom keeps algae out the top, or so they say. There are lots of added benefits: extra water volume, nutrient exportation, place for pods to take refuge, to grow macro for tangs, or even a place to banish the misbehaving hermit crab :D

[firecoral3msd]

To add to that, a refugium is a great to produce pods and other live foods for your fish. It gives them refuge :)

Edit: I was typing this out when justahobby posted his first.

[Mr Cob]

If there is one thing I'm big on it's refugiums. Of course like already mentioned there are other forms of nutrient export, but I like the other benefits that come with refugiums such as pods, DSB and the ability to house other tank inhabitants should the need arise. It's a great place to acclimate to.

[Europhyllia]

If your refugium is big enough it can help with the pH swing.