Refugium for fish-only tank?

[Frank Mularo]

It's nice to get back here. I've been out of the hobby for a few years after my 70 gallon reef crashed, but I'm looking to get back,albeit at a smaller level. I'm thiinking of setting up a 70 gallon fish only tank, and I was wondering about some things. Would there be an advantage to a sump with a DSB for filtration for this type of system? I was thinking I would get a 30 gallon tank to use as a sump/refugium, and keep some algae in it for additional filtration. Any thoughts on this setup? Would it be appropriate for fish only?

 

[buff1]

Sure, it would work great. The refugium provides three things. First, additional biological area to process waste and a denitrifying sand bed. Second, a home for macroalgae that pulls nutrients out of the water and could provide some food for the fish in your tank. A home for amphipods, copepods, etc. These critters will occasionally get pumped into the display tank and provide further food for your fish.

 

[Will C1]

i agree totally with buff, i use this method for all my tanks.

 

[Anonymous]

Although anecdotal, a refugium tends to limit or possibly eliminate several fish diseases like LLE.

Refugium filtration tends to bias the whole system towards increased stability, and generally healthier inhabitants.

It is quickly becoming the "only" way to do business.

 

[CAT]

I added a fuge to my tank about a year after I set it up - now I can't figure out why it took me so long. I have just as much fun watching the fuge as the display.

I wouldn't set up another tank (any kind) without it.