Question about refugiums

[In Deep Water]

Okay guys, tell me about refugiums. What are they, how do they work, and do I want/need one. I appreciate all the input.

[drummereef]

Here, try this link. Everything you've ever wanted to know. :)

http://www.melevsreef.com/links.html

[davidryder]

That is quite an incredible question!! I am a heavy advocate of refugiums... by definition a refugium is a predator-free zone. There are all sorts of fuges, and if you want one or not is determined by what you plan to stock. I think no matter the case a refugium should be offered to your aquarium. It allows a place for microscopic crustaceans (copepods and amphipods primarily) to colonize without disturbance. It allows the crustaceans to colonize safely and hundreds by the day make their way into the display tank.

There are many many ways to incorporate a refugium. You can purchase a hang-on model from ebay or other online retailers. You can plumb a separate tank into the main tank. You could also dedicate a section of your sump to a refugium. Regardless of what you decide, you will be able to culture macroalgae (awesome exporter of nitrates) and allow a place for the 'pods' to colonize without fear of being destroyed.

Are you looking for general information or did you have a specific idea?