“Refugium” is a hobby term that resists easy definition. This is probably so because, unlike most aquarium accoutrements—heaters, powerheads, protein skimmers, lights, etc.—there’s no single, readily identifiable purpose for a refugium. Ask 10 different hobbyists what a refugium is for, and you’re apt to get 10 different answers. Essentially, a refugium is some sort of tank, chamber, or reservoir that is isolated from the main display tank but shares the same system water. It could be another tank located under the display aquarium, a compartment within a sump system, a box that hangs on or inside the display tank, or one of many other possible configurations. In broad terms, and as the name implies, a refugium can be said to serve as a place of refuge for an organism that is sequestered from the livestock in the main aquarium for one reason or another—but even that definition doesn’t exactly apply in every circumstance. So let’s take a look at some of the more common uses for refugiums (refugia?) to get a better sense of what one is and why you might want to consider adding one to your aquarium system: Isolating an injured/bullied specimen A refugium is the perfect place to move a fish or coral specimen that has been injured/nibbled upon by a tankmate and needs a stress-free place to rest and recuperate in isolation More: The Many Possible Purposes of the Saltwater Refugium… More:
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