Idea?

Has anyone ever considered doing an in tank sort of refugium that isn’t a small tank of its own? I have never had a tank that had a refugium but I was putting thought into this topic and was curious if anyone ever considered building a sort of haven in the tank out of LR and leaving small gaps that most critters couldn’t fit in but it would allow for the pods to get out if they wished. Or possibly put a small sump in this area to force them out into the rest of the tank but keep this on a switch. So build a area with an open top to allow light or what not and maybe even use a screen of some sort to allow the pods to pass but keep them relatively safe but keep it out of sight of the rest of the tank. It sounds difficult but if it could be accomplished or has been I figured someone here has done it or has a reason why this would just be ludicrous. I figured that way it would probably be easier to manage after a while and difficult set up. It would almost be like a self feeding system all in one tank. I was more looking for thoughts or suggestions or possibly just feedback on the idea. I was considering trying it but I have no way to do it for quite some time.

 

I have a few pieces of macro in my display tank, the problem is the light needed to grow the macros that efficient for nutrient removal, are the same lights that are in our display tanks

I have seen a couple people pull off adding Mangroves to there tanks. Not in numbers high enough to provide any significant nutrient transport though. (For mangrove filtration you really need 1+ per gallon.)

You could build a pod farm and grow macro in your sump pretty easy. I have a pod farm (well... rubble piles) in my sump.

 

Ah okay. I knew I was missing something. I learn quickly and absorb information like a sponge and sometimes I can't shut off my thought processes.

Anyway, My main problem with my tanks that I have now (currently housing fresh water oscars, one in each tank) is that they are glass tanks and it specifically said not to drill them. So, I can't drill them and I am trying to figure out all the things I am going to need to get to support my system and how I am going to plumb the whole thing. I know it would be excessive but since I have two 55g tanks I could use one as a refugium or display refugium but I am still in the idea process. I just don't have a huge amount of disposable income so I am trying to make due with what I have, or will have in a few years of saving and planning. The oscars are 7 years old and they can last up to 15 years so, I am just learning everything I can so when the time does come, I can have the knowledge I need to properly do what I need to for my new reef tank. Currently I have never exposed either tank to anything copper that I am aware of and I will still test them later. Also, absolutely worse case I will have two 55g reefs and buy two smaller tanks for my refugiums. I love fish in general and it almost sounds like I am just waiting for the oscars to die, but that isn't the case. I like them and they are like dogs in some ways. They beg for food and get excited when they see me. They are quite fun to feed as well. I just didn't want to give the vibe that I am "just waiting for them to die."

 

I've seen in-tank refugiums on a lot of online stores. its like an acrylic box with holes in it and suction cups and you just stick it inside the tank at like the top so nothing can get in or out except small things like copepods and food.

 

Yeah, I have seen these too. I was more considering the idea of hiding it so I don't have a thing suction cupped to the side of my tank.

Not saying it isn't a viable option I just was trying to avoid that and still manage my own refugium in the tank. After much consideration though I think I am going to end up doing a display refugium under or next to my reef tank. ;D