Reefs.com - Saltwater Aquarium - Reef Aquarium

Neptune Systems GRO Macroalgae LED Light

by | Mar 12, 2021 | Equipment

The GRO will soon be available to authorized online and retail stores across the US. And as of today we are able to make the news available to the aquarium community. Neptune Systems, the maker of the popular aquarium controller platform has developed a 20 watt LED light designed to common types of macro algae for the purpose of nutrient export and cultivating a healthy population of copepods. The new light features 80 individual low watt LED diodes with a specialized light spectrum for maximum macro algae growth.  The arrangement of the LEDs virtually eliminates hot spots sometimes seen in other refugium LED lights. Neptune’s research has shown that nearly all other refugium lights cast light in a round, conical pattern. This is not optimal because refugiums are typically

Salty Q&A: Is a Sump the Same as a Refugium?

by | Apr 26, 2016 | Equipment, Fish, Reef, Science

QuestionWhat exactly is the difference between a “sump” and a “refugium” (assuming there is a difference)? These are terms I didn’t hear in my 30-plus years as a freshwater aquarist, but I’ve heard them numerous times since starting my first saltwater tank.” – Submitted by Moira B Answer There is a distinction between a sump and refugium in marine aquarium hobby parlance, but sometimes there’s a degree of crossover between these two systems that can make it difficult to tell where one ends and the other begins. Let’s try to define each, and then briefly examine why they sometimes defy easy categorization. Sump defined A sump is a separate (but plumbed into the system) tank or reservoir, situated below the level of the aquarium, that is typically used to hold various life-support equipment—protein skimmer, heater, etc.—so it doesn’t detract from the aesthetics of the display. A sump also provides the added benefit of increasing the water volume of the overall system. Refugium defined A refugium is also a separate tank or reservoir that is plumbed into the aquarium system, but it serves a very different purpose. Essentially, a refugium offers a safe place—a refuge, if you will—in which to sequester organisms for one reason or another. For example, hobbyists might want to create such an environment in order to culture microfauna (such as amphipods and copepods), bolster the system’s biofiltration capacity with additional live rock/sand, grow macroalgae for the purpose of nitrate reduction or feeding herbivorous fish, isolate injured or bullied specimens, or house interesting hitchhikers that may not be welcome in the display tank.

Eshopps Adding Some Style to Refugium Lighting

by | Apr 11, 2014 | Equipment, Industry, Opinion

Many marine aquarists illuminate their refugia with the most basic of lighting systems. These usually consist of an aluminum shop light and a compact fluorescent bulb, which isn’t exactly the most visually appealing arrangement. Eshopps is looking to change all that, however, with the upcoming release of their yet to be named LED refugium light. This sleek little fixture sports a razor thin design that sports the signature blue coloration that permeates thought the entire Eshopps lineup. It has a footprint of 5″ x 4″, with a thickness of just 5/16th of an inch. Helping the light to jut out over the water is a mounting bracket that blends right into the fixture and can affix to acrylic or glass of varying thickness thanks to nylon thumbscrews. Getting back to the fact that the refugium light is without a name, Eshopps is looking for a little help in the creativity department.