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Refugiums

A refugium or ecosystem filter is a smaller tank of water that is hung behind or placed beneath marine and reef aquariums and can contain all the extra equipment for the main aquarium such as heaters, top off units, a protein skimmer and any other accessories you may decide to add.

The refugium also adds extra water volume to the system and makes it easier to maintain stability. The refugium runs with it's own set of lighting, has a separate substrate and relies heavily on the use of macro algae. This type of filtration removes the nitrates and phosphates from the aquarium's water through the use of macro algae such as Caulerpa. The substrate is usually made of a mineral mud type mix that contains necessary trace elements and nitrifying bacteria. The refugium light is run on a reverse schedule from the main aquarium light to reduce the natural daytime/nighttime pH swing in the aquarium. A refugium can also serve as a food supply source for your aquarium providing copepods and other micro foods.