Refugium, to sump or not to sump?

[Mad Tart]

How many of you out there have your refugium seperate from your sump? Can I get some opinions about the pros and cons either way? It seems to me a refugium/sump combo is much more convienent and that a majority of folks here have their setups that way. So why would anyone go with a completely seperate refugium?

Thanks for your responses

Mad Tart

 

[ChaoticReefer]

My sump and refugium are separate. I like this technique, because it keeps bulky equipment from taking up refugium valuable space. Also, it keeps the sump from developing algae, cyanobacteria, and etc due to lack of light (refugium light). So it keeps the sump clean for a longer period.

 

[goavs21]

Couple of reasons, in addition to Chaotic's points:

When shooting for 10 -20x gph flow, I do not want to subject my fauna to so much current. I would imagine it's harder to keep everything in place too (calp, sand, LR rubble).

I like the idea that more of the pods, worms, and algae, would not be subjected to mutilation by the skimmer & heater / chiller.

I can also see a few cons to the setup as well, cost, more plumbing (larger room for error), space conserns.

Still planning my refugium / sump setup, but I think you can see which way I'm leaning. :wink:

 

[kbauer]

Thought I'd add my 2 cents on the refugium question since I've tried it both ways. I had my refugium next to my display tank for about 6 mos. Then for some of the reasons mentioned decided to try it underneath. I actually put it inside my sump to avoid the flow issues. But I found that I missed all the action going on in the sump--the little worms are a show in themselves at feeding time. So I moved it back which is better for me. Now I am in the process of plumbing the refugium to the sump. It is not now connected.

 

[kbauer]

Thought I'd add my 2 cents on the refugium question since I've tried it both ways. I had my refugium next to my display tank for about 6 mos. Then for some of the reasons mentioned decided to try it underneath. I actually put it inside my sump to avoid the flow issues. But I found that I missed all the action going on in the sump--the little worms are a show in themselves at feeding time. So I moved it back which is better for me. Now I am in the process of plumbing the refugium to the sump. It is not now connected.

 

[Mad Tart]

Thanks for your responses.. up till now the only information I have seen has been strictly pros for the in-sump refugium.. nice to have some voice to the other side of that argument.

Mad Tart