should i put a refugium in my sump?

[split4161]

im building a 20 gallon high sump i have right now a hob refugium. does a refugium really do that much for your water that it would suffer if not there? i have a skimmer going into the sump as well.

[Brandon M]

If you can fit it in, I would recommend it. There is really no reason not to. Your system will benefit greatly from it.

[Sk8r]

If you can get a skimmer about 1/3 your display volume you will notice a lot of really good bennies:
increased oxygen
no algae
backup sandbed in case of problems in the display
more water volume: slower rate of change in temp, salinity, etc.
microfauna for fishfood.
cleaner water over all.

[jtma508]

+1 on the fuge. I strongly suggest splitting the flow into the sump and have the return section in the center. That way the fuge gets 'raw' nutrient-rich tank water (as opposed to pre-skimmed). Place a valve in the 'split' so you can dial-back the flow to the fuge section.

[seatown76]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12826137#post12826137 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Brandon M
If you can fit it in, I would recommend it. There is really no reason not to. Your system will benefit greatly from it.

I totally agree. There are more benifits then drawbacks as long as you have the room and an already established refugium to install.

[Jeff cousteau]

I was going to add an external fuge to a sump (grav fed) but I might try and add it in sump to save room and time. return in the middle, good idea.