The best substrates to use for a refugium include live sand, live rock, live rock rubble, Marine Pure blocks, Miracle Mud, or just leaving the refugium bare bottom. ... Knowing your specific tank needs and having a goal for your refugium will make a substrate choice easier.

Should I put sand in refugium?

Depending on what you want to grow in the refugium. Certain macro or marine plants can be partial bury in the sand. If you don't planned on have those, then no need for sand. Likewise, LR and media is personal preferences in the refugium.

What should I put in my aquarium refugium?

Fish, snails, shrimp, corals, crabs, corals, and copepods can all be put in the refugium. Though all of these animals can live in the refugium doing so could impact the goals you may have for your refugium.

Should I put live rock in my sump?

I always add small pieces of live rock in my sump or other areas that should house bioballs or other filter media. Biological filtration is so important plus it give you more surface area for beneficial bacteria to populate to brake down waste and other contaminates.

Should refugium be before or after skimmer?

In most common saltwater aquarium setups the protein skimmer will come first before the refugium. In many saltwater aquarium sumps, the largest chamber is the second chamber and a protein skimmers though varied in size will only fit in the second chamber before the refugium.

Refugium Mistakes: The WRONG way to set up a refugium.

Can I keep fish in my sump?

Fish will not live long in the sump. The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten. No one is born with intellect and age guarantees wisdom to no one. Fish will not live long in the sump.

Does live rock need light?

Live rock doesn't need lighting unless you want to retain the color. The bacteria on the rock and the critters that live inside don't require any lights.

How long does it take for refugium to work?

Planted refugia seem to “work” just fine as long as they receive at least ten or twelve hours of intense light per day. Still, some aquarists run their lights 24 hours/day without any apparent ill effect. One method that is well worth mention here, though, uses a so-called reverse photoperiod.

Why do I need a refugium?

A refugium is generally used to provide delicate species with safety, protecting them from the larger fish in the main tank. Refugiums are often used to grow copepods as food for their aquarium fish, or to raise delicate species of fish or coral.

Should Chaeto tumble?

No, your Chaeto does not need to tumble. It is easy and beneficial to tumble when the Chaeto is still small, but as the mass gets larger and more dense it will become more and more difficult, and may eventually stop.

What is live sand for aquariums?

Live sand is natural reef coral sand that is collected live from the ocean or non-living coral sand that is cultured to make it live. What makes it live is the microscopic biological bacteria that grows on it, and the many tiny crustaceans and other micro and macro-organisms that reside in it.

How often should I clean my aquarium sump?

I clean my sump every week. This consists of siphoning out the detritus that collects on the bottom of the sump during my 10% water change. I clean the skimmer about once a month or when needed.

How big should aquarium sump be?

What Should Be The Size of Your Sump. At a minimum, your sump should be 20% of your tank. If you have a 75 gallon tank, then your sump should be at least 15 gallon. But in reality, you should go for the biggest size that fits in your stand (remember, more water volume, more space for media, etc).

Can I add live rock to an established tank?

Whether pre-cured or uncured, it is crucial to never introduce any live rock to an established aquarium containing fish, corals, or other marine animals unless it has been properly cured. Important: Do not place uncured live rock directly into an aquarium containing fish, corals, or other marine animals.

Does dry rock turn purple?

If a purple coraline strain is introduced there is no guarantee it will grow. If it does grow it might be on your glass and not the rock. In most tanks I have had with dry rock, it takes from 6 months to a year before I start to see it on the rock.

How long can live rock be out of water?

Bottom line is that stuff out of water starts to die straight away, bacteria for instance. Not only should you not keep them in water, but make sure to keep them in a bucket for no less than 1 day.

When should I start my refugium?

You do not need a refugium until the nutrients rise. And you do not want nitrates to get too low either because your corals will struggle for lack of nutrients. Also certain problem algae like cyano bacteria tend to flourish in low nutrient levels.

How long should I run my refugium lights?

8-12 hours is a decent starting point. You don't want to run it 24/7.