Refugium????

I am starting a 55 fowlr tank build soon and I keep reading about a fuge or refugium? What are these? I bought a wet/dry filter with bio balls, a protein skimmer, and I was going to use my old fluval 404 canister filter for some added mechanical filtration. Did I go wrong already?????? Will my planned setup work once I get the live rock in there?

 

It will work but a refugium/sump is a little more efficient than a canister filter. Read this article and then ask your questions.....

http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aquarium-articles-how-tos/all-about-sumps-filters-fuges-79852.html

Thanks powerman!

 

Any questions for us yet? I know I had a trillion. It took me seeing someone elses setup in person to completely understand the entire rig

 

I still have plenty, believe me! I read that article by Powerman and some great information. I have been reading a lot and watching videos on it. I have an old 35 gallon in the garage I am going to use instead of the wet / dry filter I bought. I think I have to buy some cut glass for the dividers and put them at different heights to control the flow. I think I am going to put the protein skimmer in the first compartment and then go to the refugium which I think I can use a dsb made from sand or kitty litter (?) then some different types of algae (i think) and lr then that flows to the next chamber where the return pump will be. I will have to use an over flow box because my 55 is not drilled. There is just too much negative stuff on here about bio balls so I am not going to use them plus it sounds like the fuge will be less maintenance once established. Does all this sound right?

 

I would say use the canister filter for carbon and if you like breaking it down often you can use it for some floss but thats an accident waiting to happen if you don't take care of it.