differences of sump and refugium?

[hyrumbradshaw]

What exactly are the differences of a sump and a refugium? At the moment I have niether but I am planning on adding what I would call a refugium. I have a 30 gallon tank with a hob skimmer, I have live rock and sand. I plan to put a 10 gallon for now and later another 30 gallon tank under my 30 gallon display. In that I plan on putting sand, rock, from what I read some cheato algae, and I was thinking maybe some sea horses? Do I need a sump? what suggestions does anyone have for me?

[Newlin]

A sump is used as a filter for all the trash in your tank. But, you have a HOB so it's not needed. The refug is to house copepods and shrimp that make there way to your tank and have a place to grow and reproduce without the threat of getting eaten. They will, when you get enough of them, make there way to the main tank and become food for your fish. I would say get the 10, put 2" of sand in it and some LR rubble and some chato with a light on 24/7 and you will be good. The refug with the light on all the time will also stable out your ph drops at night.

[hyrumbradshaw]

I dont think I have any copepods, I think I saw one once, where could I get more to add to my refugium?

[Newlin]

You can order them online and seed your refugium. Or, when you get it setup, go to your lfs and get some rubble that has been in there tanks and I assure you that you will get all that you need in a couple months.

[hyrumbradshaw]

And seahorses? good or bad idea? in my refuge.

[Newlin]

The flow required in the fuge for the chato is a little strong for them. But, if you have a low enough flow in the fuge, you can.