Sump Or Refugium?
May 26, 2009
All aquarists know the difference between a reef, mixed reef and fish only aquarium. However, confusion arises on occasion about the sump and refugium.
There are many systems of whatever type that include a sump. Usually they are put there in the design stage and this is really the easiest option, as feeding seawater to and from the sump is more easily arranged.
The sump is defined by the Oxford dictionary as ‘…a pit for collecting water etc’. That’s fairly accurate I suppose in relation to marine systems, one of the attributes of a sump is that it increases the net seawater gallonage of the system which is good for quality. In addition to this it permits items of hardware such as protein skimmers and heaters to be placed out of sight, which is good for the main display.
This is where the confusion starts. In addition to equipment, a sump could also be used for a deep sand bed (DSB) and could also grow macro algae. Then an addition could be made by using a partition and installing a ‘refugium’. The aquarist declares that he has a refugium.
I don’t want to be over-finicky, but is this correct? It is understandable certainly, as a refugium is a place where small life forms can live away from the predations of fish etc. Over and over it is said that small life forms are essential for the health of the DSB. There aren’t any fish in the sump so the small life forms are protected, so maybe it has become a refugium!
In the dictionary version I have ‘refugium’ is not given but no matter, let’s look at ‘refuge’. The definition of this is ‘…shelter from danger, pursuit or trouble.’ So the refugium is a specific not a general item.
Back to the sump then, as said it is primarily added to the system to increase net seawater gallonage and provide an area where heaters etc can go. If the aquarist wishes to add a DSB then fine and the same goes for macro algae. This makes the sump …a sump. It has been added for specific purposes, not one particular purpose.
A refugium is an additional aquarium or container that has been added to the system in the same way as a sump. However, in this case it is intended primarily as a refugium, nothing else. A fish only aquarium is an environment for fish, a mixed reef an environment for fish and corals. The refugium is an environment designed for small life forms. It keeps them safe from predation by fish and permits them to develop and flourish. At the same time, of course, it also increases the net seawater gallonage of the system.
So if the system is to include a sump and a refugium, there should be three aquariums. The largest one will be the display aquarium of whatever type, and attached to this and fed seawater by it will be a sump and a refugium. The major advantage of the two, apart from increased seawater gallonage, is space. There is more space for equipment in the sump if it is not being used for so many purposes, and there is more space in the refugium for the creation of the special environment.
Overall though, it could be argued that the above is a terrific example of nit picking! Truth of the matter is, the sump doesn’t have strict boundaries and could be and often is used for a DSB and macro algae, with lots of tiny life forms. These life forms are protected from fish predation so it is a refuge. The specific refugium is different because it is only that, a refuge, nothing else. The refugium, as it is for one purpose only, may well offer greater space for the created environment, which in turn permits more life to develop, which could mean a higher amount of live food (that which finds its way into the main display aquarium).
I would love to have a three tank system but haven’t the space. Those who have the space, great! Those aquarists who use a sump only, no problem, let’s not argue about a name.
Related Posts - The Location For A Deep Sand Bed The deep sand bed (DSB) is a popular filtration addition used by many aquarists. Also, interest is added to the aquarium - the DSB over...
- Should You Go ‘Sumpless’ Or Not? Many aquarists have a sump attached to their display aquarium. The numbers that have a sump seems to advise that the answer to the title...
- Potential Problems With A Fish Only Aquarium The fish only system is probably not as popular as a captive reef but there are plenty of aquarists who maintain one. There are advantages...
- Are We Creating A Home Or A Habitat? At first glance it seems a strange question to be asked. We’re concerned with marine aquariums, so what is meant by ‘home’ and ‘habitat’? It’s...
- Remember To Harvest The Algae In The Algae Bed In a [tag-tec]saltwater aquarium[/tag-tec] it is preferential to have both nitrates and phosphate as well as various other nutrients at the lowest possible level you...
Related Websites - Fishing the Big One in Lake Tahoe Lake Tahoe offers plenty of exceptional scenery making it worth the fishing trip price just to see the dawn as it tints the Sierras in...
- Henness Pass Fishing Paved access to this pass' fishing leaves the Highway 89 just fifteen minutes north of where Truckee is. It will run down along the Little...
- Comparing Life Insurance Policies pt 2 Continued from part one. What are the advantages of this type of insurance? Term life insurance policies tend to be a lot less expensive in...
- Nature of Spirits Spirits aren't the rare spooky encounter you hear about in haunted locales. You likely sense them on a daily basis. When you sense someone walk...
- My Life as a Volunteer Tax Preparer - Week 4 I am back with another installment in the education of Mr. ToughMoneyLove in the world of people and their money. Yesterday was my fourth session...
Should You Go ‘Sumpless’ Or Not?
March 5, 2009
Many aquarists have a sump attached to their display aquarium. The numbers that have a sump seems to advise that the answer to the title question is ‘Don’t go without a sump’.
In fact there isn’t a requirement to have a sump. There are a good number of marine systems that do not have one and they are successful. This applies to both fish only and reef aquariums. There are articles on aquaristsonline.com that suggest a basic kit list and a sump is not included. So why then do so many aquarists use them?
A sump is another seawater container that is often placed beneath the display aquarium though it could be elsewhere provided that gravity is available to feed seawater to it. The sump is more often than not another and usually smaller aquarium. Normally an overflow in the display aquarium is connected to pipe work that carries the seawater down, and the seawater is lifted back up to the aquarium by a pump. The guideline for the speed seawater moves through the sump is the system net gallonage times three.
The size of a sump is simple to calculate, it should be as large as is practical. The larger it is means that it will contain more gallons and that is the first advantage. With a sump the gallonage of the system is increased, which is good for seawater quality. The gallons held in the sump should not be used in any stocking calculation as this would negate the quality aspect of the extra gallonage and, with fish, there is the danger that the physical area of the display aquarium would be overloaded resulting in disputes and aggression.
Heaters and a protein skimmer intake are not exactly natural looking in the display aquarium, though many aquarists manage to reasonably hide them. If a sump is available the heaters can be placed in there and a skimmer can stand alongside, in or hang on. This removes the ‘eyesores’ from the display area and probably makes them more accessible. The protein skimmer in particular needs to be easily accessible for regular maintenance.
The usefulness of a sump doesn’t stop there. Seawater filtration is very important and the move nowadays is towards natural methods. Live rock is a good example. Using a deep sand bed (DSB) or plenum (a raised sand bed) is a good partner for live rock offering good additional filtration, and the best place to locate such a sand bed is in the sump. The guideline for the area of a DSB is 2/3rds of the display aquarium base area. This isn’t always achievable so the largest sump that will fit is again an advantage. The DSB is deep, hence the name, but this doesn’t stop the heaters and protein skimmer intake from going in the sump as well.
Still on the filtration theme, some aquarists grow the macro algae Caulerpa in the sump, which is designed as an aid to filtration and seawater quality. The Caulerpa will help remove, among other things, nitrate and phosphate. These two are implicated in the growth of nuisance algae.
The sump should not be used as a refuge for a sick fish as it forms part of the overall system seawater gallonage. For a fish suffering from excessive harassment it could be a temporary home. Also, if a life form appears that is unwanted the sump could again be used as a temporary home. A Mantis shrimp for example.
There isn’t a requirement to have a sump immediately the system is set-up, although this is really the better way to go – have the advantages from the start and avoid moving equipment later. A sump could be added later and in this case it is advantageous to consider it at the design stage. Though there are siphon based overflow boxes available, the best way of getting seawater to the sump is into overflows and down pipes. This requires a hole or holes in the display aquarium. These should be drilled before the system is set up. If they are not going to be used straightaway they can be temporarily covered.
Related Posts - Can You Have Too Much Seawater Movement? Seawater movement in a marine aquarium, whether it is a fish only or reef system, is important for the overall health of the environment. Adequate...
- Water Surface Scum There are one or two things that can happen to an aquarium once it is running. The first, and most desired, is that it will...
- The Best Of Both Worlds? The reef aquarium is the most popular within the marine hobby and there are considerable numbers of aquarists who keep fish only systems. I don’t...
- Sumps, Should I Use One? There are various ways of improving the chances of success when designing a [tag-tec]saltwater aquarium[/tag-tec]. Using modern effective methods of filtration, correct and appropriate lighting...
- Why Not Have A Sump Marine aquarists are always looking for ways to improve their systems. During the research and building stage, there may have been financial restrictions or other...
Related Websites - Fishing and Boating Glossary A.C. Plug - This is the brand name of a large top water jointed wooden trout lure. Acidity - The amount of acid in a...
- Choosing the Right Aquarium Tank by Leonard Standeley There are many things to consider when selecting an aquarium tank. One of them is the size of the aquarium. To determine...
- Fishing the Big One in Lake Tahoe Lake Tahoe offers plenty of exceptional scenery making it worth the fishing trip price just to see the dawn as it tints the Sierras in...
- Flame Angelfish - Overview Of the Beautiful Flame Angelfish The flame angelfish (Centropyge Loriculus) is probably the most identifiable member of the genus centropyge in the marine aquarium hobby now. This marine aquarium fish...
- You Won't Get The Best Freshwater Aquarium If You Don't Follow These Tips If you are planning to keep an aquarium in your home, then you can look forward to a lot of fun and a relaxing atmosphere....
Linking A ‘Multi-Purpose’ Aquarium
January 12, 2009
Many aquarists no matter what type of system they are running, fish only or reef, use more than the display aquarium. The obvious example is the sump.
Of course the extra aquarium doesn’t have to be just the sump, it can be one intended for other purposes.
An extra tank could be fitted alongside, above or below the display aquarium. For seawater movement gravity will play a part, a pump a part, and an overflow a part. The only requirement is the space to set it up, assuming the space below the aquarium has been used for a sump.
The additional aquarium can be any size and any shape, provided it meets the space requirement and also the decorative one if it is within the living area. If there is a lack of space and it is practical, supply and return pipes can run through a wall. Often doing this permits a larger extra aquarium to be fitted.
Once fitted, as with a sump the first advantage is the increase in seawater, the more of this there is the better. This is because the gallonage to livestock ratio is improved. It has to be remembered though that if the extra area is to have livestock this advantage will be reduced or removed.
If there isn’t a DSB (deep sand bed) already then the new area could have one. Perhaps the area could be used for the macro algae Caulerpa to assist with the removal of nitrates and phosphates. If this is the case then the algae needs to be fairly regularly and carefully harvested.
If the aquarist keeps a captive reef then the fish that can be kept are restricted to those that are reef friendly, for example fish are not required that could see coral polyps as lunch. Provided the additional aquarium is large enough, it could contain say a few butterfly fish that are beautiful but generally unsuitable for a reef display. There are cautions. First, the additional aquarium as said is linked into the system. If too heavy a bio-load is placed in the additional area, then the overall seawater quality could reduce and have a detrimental effect on the reef. The fish numbers might need to be restricted to perhaps half of maximum. The second caution also concerns the additional bio-load; can the bio-filtration deal with it? If there is any doubt then additional capacity would need to be provided, either by aquascaping the new area with sufficient live rock or providing an additional canister filter.
From time to time aquarists come across something that is not required in the display aquarium for whatever reason. A good example is a mantis shrimp, which is not desirable because it is an efficient predator. Yet the mantis shrimp is an interesting creature in its own right. Some aquarists purposely purchase one because of this. Providing a home for one in the additional aquarium is straightforward, the shrimps are not too fussy. A sand bed the shrimp can burrow in and a few rocks are fine. The effect on seawater quality is low so there isn’t a danger of trouble with the reef.
If the display contains fish only then the additional area, if it is large enough, could be used for more fish. Perhaps a predatory fish, such as a lionfish, which cannot be housed with the others would be suitable. The volume could be stocked with a full bio-load as there will not be an effect on the original display. Again, care must be taken with the bio-filtration, ensuring that there is sufficient capacity. Fish present the highest challenge to the bio-filtration system.
Then again, there are creatures that are not suitable for the reef or fish only systems, but could do well in the additional aquarium. Among these are seahorses. The seawater flow rate in a fish only or reef system would be too high, and in addition the fish present would eat the food before the seahorses had a chance to feed. So an aquarium could be set up with rock and perhaps Caulerpa to house these strange and fascinating creatures. The load on the bio-filter will not be increased a lot and seawater quality should not be adversely affected.
There are other livestock possibilities for an additional aquarium, and also advanced possibilities that an experienced aquarist could consider.
Whatever is done with the additional aquarium, if livestock are involved then attention needs to be given to seawater movement that is suitable, plus some lighting. The flow in and out of the aquarium will not usually create sufficient movement, and the easiest fully acceptable route is two powerheads subject to requirements. If corals are not involved then two fluorescent tubes are usually enough to provide sufficient light.
There is one additional use that the system linked aquarium is not suitable for, and that is quarantine. When new fish (and other livestock) are purchased it is a good idea to use a quarantine area to give time for recovery from the ordeals of travel. Stress is high and there is a danger of disease and other problems. The time provided permits the livestock to feed in peace and build up their immune system. If a disease breaks out it is much easier to deal with. After three or four weeks, all things being well, the livestock can go into the display aquarium.
If the quarantine aquarium is linked into the display system then there isn’t any quarantine as the seawater is circulating throughout. Any parasites and other nasties are likely to find their way into the whole system which would be a real problem. Also, how could fish that have developed ‘white spot’ or ‘velvet’ be treated with copper? For a start, the medication would be diluted as the whole system seawater volume is involved not just the quarantine area. If a captive reef is present then invertebrates cannot tolerate copper. And so on.
It could be thought possible to use the additional aquarium for quarantine if the in and outflow were stopped for the quarantine period, thus protecting the other livestock. However, again what if copper has been used for an outbreak of disease? All the seawater in the quarantine area needs to be thrown away of course which is easily done, but what of residual copper? Also, can there be certainty that there aren’t any surviving parasites? The quarantine area would need to be stripped down.
Finally, a quarantine tank needs to be available all the time, in case of unforeseen trouble never mind newly purchased livestock. It cannot therefore be used for any display. So it is best kept entirely separate. The tank does not need to be large.
An additional aquarium linked into the system, with attention given to bio-filtration as mentioned if necessary, can provide the aquarist with many possibilities previously unavailable because of livestock compatibility issues. Additional livestock or additional filtration, the system will be the better for it.
Related Posts - Aquarium Additives and Hard Corals The reef aquarium with hard corals ([tag-tec]SPS[/tag-tec]) is the desire of many an aquarist. The sight of pictures on the internet and in books only...
- Cuttlefish Usually seen in public aquariums, cuttlefish are likely to draw plenty of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ from onlookers as they swim with their unusual long undulating...
- Can You Have Too Much Seawater Movement? Seawater movement in a marine aquarium, whether it is a fish only or reef system, is important for the overall health of the environment. Adequate...
- The Seahorse - Should You Put One In A Reef Aquarium Seahorses come in different types and they are all endearing, interesting and super to keep. In the wild they are, unfortunately, under intense pressure from...
- SPS Corals - Are They For The Beginner? More than two decades ago the marine aquarist would be pleased if fish survived in the aquarium, never mind corals of any type. The aquarium...
Related Websites - Duxbury Salmon 8/14/2010 I went salmon fishing off the Duxbury reef with Captain Perry Kerson and deckhand Mikey of Sea Turtle Sport Fishing. Had an awesome time. You...
- Fishing Report: June 04, 2010 Lakes/Saltwater Anderson: Look for bass in the one to two pound range in this area. Crappie are found behind the bridge. Berryessa: Fish that stay...
- Submitting Articles For Additional Traffic If you have a web site and would like to increase its search engine ranking, then you definitely need to learn about submitting articles. Submitting...
Loads Of Micro Bubbles In My Sump
October 30, 2007
I have a sump on my saltwater aquarium which is fed by four overflows from the main display aquarium.
This sump contains a deep sand bed, a refugium and all the equipment which can be hidden (heaters, return pump, protein skimmer, calcium reactor and auto top up)
For some reason and I don’t know why I suddenly started getting loads of micro bubbles in my sump.
I checked all the overflows to see if anything has moved and I was unable to locate anything.
The only thing that I saw is that the pipes which enter the first chamber of my sump are a bit too deep in the water for my liking.
As I have not solvent welded these aspects of the plumbing I was able to remove them whilst doing a water change (when the water was low enough in the main display aquarium so as not to overflow down to the sump)
I cut the pipes back so that they are now only about ¾” under the water surface in the first chamber. This chamber is also full of small pieces of live rock rubble which acts as a type of baffle.
The result – no more bubbles!
As said I have absolutely no idea why it suddenly started happening as it was not doing this a couple of days ago but at least I was able to identify a way to resolve it.
Related Posts - Coralline Algae Is Not Supposed To Be White Coralline algae in the marine aquarium in my opinion makes the overall appearance much more attractive and natural. There are some people who dislike coralline...
- How To Acclimitise New Corals And Fish Correctly It always amazes me how many people I see or talk to who purchase a marine animal, take it home, open the bag and pour...
- How To Ensure There Is Enough Oxygen In The Water The marine aquarist does all sorts of water parameter checks to ensure the quality is high. A lot of money is spent on equipment and...
- Starting a salt water aquarium does not need to be hard Life on a reef in nature is a truly wonderful thing to behold. There are so many vibrant colours, so much movement and an enormous...
- Be Careful When Selecting Your Return Pump If you utlise a sump inside your aquarium them there is one thing you will need for certain - you will need to return the...
Related Websites - Fishing Report: October 02, 2009 Here's what's happening in local fishing this week. Lake Fishing - Fishing is relatively slow at Amador. The trout plants have not yet begun yet,...
- How to Fix a Leaky Pipe Whether you're dealing with a slow drip, or you've got a gusher, a leaky pipe can be a serious problem. If the pipe is dripping...
- Ways Of Earning Online In the process of gaining money, people very often apply to the money on – line chappele, thinking that it is the best way to...
- How to Become Gainfully Employed Again After Losing Your Job We're facing a lot of economic uncertainty and the days of going to a work for company, working for thirty years, then retiring and being...
- Why I Don't Spend Money On Bottled Water. Looking for a way to save a few bucks? Give up the bottled water. My wife and I used to only drink bottled water back...
Recent Comments