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You are here: Home / Clean Up Crew / Building Your Refugium Clean-Up Crew
A Refugium of sorts, this algae bed helps clean the oceans!

Building Your Refugium Clean-Up Crew

by Kenneth Wingerter

No one ever said that keeping reef aquaria is totally uncomplicated. Especially keeping them clean! Sure, some maintenance approaches are simpler than others; natural methods are, for example, fairly effortless means to control nuisance algae, detritus and pests.

Natural methods certainly require some research, planning and occasional monitoring; but for the most part, they involve adding organisms that improve environmental conditions simply by doing what they do… naturally. For you, this eliminates much need for tinkering with touchy equipment, changing expensive chemical filtrants, constantly algae wiping, etc. Plus, successfully creating a dynamic, self-sustaining ecosystem is hugely satisfying.

Perhaps the most common and most important agents of biocontrol for both algae and detritus are copepods. This should make plenty of sense, since these tiny crustaceans fulfill the same ecological role in most natural aquatic/marine environments. Increasingly, aquarists are taking all kinds of measures (e.g. phyto dosing) to ensure that their systems can sustain large copepod populations. Arguably, the surest way to promote high copepod density is to install a planted refugium.

Planted refugia (specifically the macroalgal “plants”) already have other, well-known benefits; they reduce dissolved nutrient concentrations, for example. These are considerable benefits, for sure. But planted refugia are worthwhile for their pod-promoting properties alone.

So–by cranking up pod numbers, a refugium helps to keep a tank clean. That doesn’t mean that the ‘fuge itself can’t get dirty. For example, massive accumulations of detritus can form in densely planted refugia. And pods can’t control pests. Like in the main tank, the best way to tackle refugium cleaning and remove pests is to adopt natural methods.

But planted refugia are necessarily different environments from the main tank. This means that many animals used for clean-up in the main tank cannot be used in the refugium. For example, urchins are excellent algivores that are great for the display, but can’t be in the ‘fuge because they’d eat all of the macros! There are just as many species that are safe with macros, but aquarists just don’t think to put them in the ‘fuge. Imagine what happens if you put a gazillion aiptasia-eating animals in the main tank but stock none in the refugium–you’ll probably never get rid of the aiptasia, right?

Again, overall, a refugium makes it easier to maintain a clean, healthy reef tank. But your tank will be even cleaner, with even less effort, if the ‘fuge houses its own clean-up crew.

Algaes working to help oxygenate and clean the oceans.For Algae

Obviously, planted refugia are brightly illuminated environments. Thus, even in such close proximity to their macroalgal competitors, nuisance microalgae can take hold there. It can grow on the glass, on the sand or even on the macros. A well-rounded group of algivores can control these bad algae. This must, however, not include any animals that might develop a strong taste for your macroalgae. Sure, some snails might eat some soft macros like Ulva, but it’s all good so long as they focus on the microalgae.

There are a few captive-bred snails that are suitable for this purpose. Not only are captive-bred trochus snails and siphonaria limpets both excellent algae-eaters but they also are much hardier than wild-collected specimens.

For Detritus

Particulate organic matter (POM) is highly prone to settling out in refugia (especially planted refugia) where flow is reduced and certain macros (especially meshy types like Chaetomorpha) act like mechanical filters. This isn’t necessarily bad. For one, it removes these solid wastes from the display tank, where they would otherwise be much unsightlier. Also, by settling POM in the refugium, it is concentrated in just the spot where most of the pods are (i.e. where they can eat it most efficiently!).

Still, in tanks with lots of well-fed fish, detritus can build up faster than the pods can consume it. This is where the pods can use some help. Detritivorous snails are perfect for this job. Again, because wild snails can be touchy, captive-bred specimens are a much better choice. Thankfully, the sludge-busting cerith snail and nassarius snail clean up crews are available as captive-bred. Tiny burrowing snails such as these significantly improve the appearance and water quality of a reef tank, and indeed refugium, by consuming organic wastes. Most of these also contribute to some film algae control as well.

For PestsAiptasia is a Common pest in the marine Aquarium

Many small invertebrate animals are used to control pests of various sorts. Most of these are quite happy to live in the ‘fuge. The list of pest control critters is a bit long to run through in its entirety here, but we’ll posit the peppermint shrimp as a great example. This is, for sure, due to its proven usefulness in eradicating a common and particularly nasty pest, the aiptasia anemone. But these shrimps are also pretty good at scavenging wastes in general. This would include larger chunks of organic matter such as fish food that might find its way into the ‘fuge. These guys can mop up in seconds what would take copepods hours to do. This is especially important when snails die in the ‘fuge; a peppermint shrimp will eat a dead snail long before it has a chance to decay and foul the water.

Conclusion

Your refugium clean-up crew may be built around your specific needs and specific type of system you have. But regardless of the details, it’s a really good idea to remember the ‘fuge when your stocking critters for algae, detritus and pest control. This undoubtedly will simplify your maintenance regimen and reduce your reliance on complicated, expensive filtration technologies. And of course your tank will be a whole lot more interesting to observe!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Keith Taylor says

    July 6, 2020 at 1:21 pm

    Hope this helps me one day if I’m able to buy a tank

    Reply
    • Nick says

      July 13, 2020 at 4:10 pm

      Good information to have!

      Reply
      • tyler.powell says

        July 18, 2020 at 11:28 pm

        Great info to have

        Reply
    • Daryl Reid says

      July 15, 2020 at 5:43 am

      I got my starter kit from Algae Barn. They are a good company. Friendly, and helpful

      Reply
    • Daryl Reid says

      July 15, 2020 at 5:43 am

      I got my starter kit from Algae Barn. They are a good company. Friendly, and helpful

      Reply
      • Kimberly Sims says

        July 28, 2020 at 9:43 am

        Good to keep things clean

        Reply
      • cronamator says

        July 29, 2020 at 4:18 pm

        I am planning an order as well, do you need the entire starter pack or just the pods and phyto?

        Reply
    • jackbird06-1634 says

      July 28, 2020 at 11:04 am

      Thanks for the info

      Reply
      • Aubrey Scott Daniels says

        July 30, 2020 at 6:01 pm

        Thanks for the information

        Reply
  2. jason.prindle says

    July 6, 2020 at 1:51 pm

    i thought that we WANTED to keep these things in the refugium, so i have never added a CUC to the refugium, rather give these pests a place to grow freely so they stay out of the DT.

    Reply
  3. dragonprincess74008 says

    July 6, 2020 at 2:01 pm

    Very informative! I’m adding to my CUC as often as I can!

    Reply
    • glbridges says

      July 13, 2020 at 6:41 pm

      Me too.

      Reply
  4. landonrp95 says

    July 6, 2020 at 2:10 pm

    Great advice! Good for new and established systems.

    Reply
  5. jburr37 says

    July 6, 2020 at 2:11 pm

    Great learning info.

    Reply
  6. Josh Barrett says

    July 6, 2020 at 2:11 pm

    Interesting. Good thing I got a bunch of pods coming 😉

    Reply
  7. richardj.jackson19 says

    July 6, 2020 at 2:13 pm

    Good info!

    Reply
  8. Donna L Holder says

    July 6, 2020 at 2:17 pm

    it does take time to keep this clean. but its worth it

    Reply
  9. Devin says

    July 6, 2020 at 2:18 pm

    I think I’ll end up adding a cuc to it now ?

    Reply
    • jenniferlincoln2628 says

      July 6, 2020 at 5:48 pm

      Good information. It takes lot to clean. Yes I will add snails too.

      Reply
  10. Jordn Gerardot says

    July 6, 2020 at 2:24 pm

    I never considered placing invertebrate in my refugium. Great Idea!

    Reply
  11. Michael Ridgewell says

    July 6, 2020 at 2:28 pm

    Debating on whether or not to add a fuge. Will revert back to this post :).

    Reply
  12. Rudy Garcia says

    July 6, 2020 at 2:38 pm

    Too bad I don’t have a refugium. So I can’t put the advice in this article into practice.

    Reply
  13. smithma274 says

    July 6, 2020 at 3:02 pm

    Super informative, Thank you!

    Reply
  14. gustafson.phil says

    July 6, 2020 at 3:05 pm

    Great Reading

    Reply
  15. Marlon Holland says

    July 6, 2020 at 3:08 pm

    I have some pest that I need to get rid of.

    Reply
  16. Hilda E Beach says

    July 6, 2020 at 3:13 pm

    Great info. can’t wait to start my new tank!

    Reply
  17. kathymiller9999 says

    July 6, 2020 at 3:22 pm

    Yes, this can be complicated get rewarding! With all the knowledge from Algae Barn, it can be done!

    Reply
  18. Compy Ginorio says

    July 6, 2020 at 3:42 pm

    I never thought of having snails in the refugium but I think that I will add some besides the pods.

    Reply
  19. ppatel1009 says

    July 6, 2020 at 3:48 pm

    definitely worth it to invest in a nice, large CUC

    Reply
  20. Christian Bragalone says

    July 6, 2020 at 3:57 pm

    Awesome read and will definitely be getting some snails in my refugium.

    Reply
  21. Ryan Slade says

    July 6, 2020 at 4:17 pm

    I am looking into cyno clean up crew

    Reply
  22. Michael Longfoot says

    July 6, 2020 at 4:31 pm

    Very informative ?

    Reply
  23. Paul Houston says

    July 6, 2020 at 4:36 pm

    I have to try this. Thanks

    Reply
  24. kstears says

    July 6, 2020 at 4:44 pm

    Can’t wait to set up my custom cuc in my new tank thanks for all the great info !

    Reply
  25. Teri Embum says

    July 6, 2020 at 4:50 pm

    I have thrown a Mexican turbo snail in the fuge before… didn’t think of any other CUC. Will have to boost the crew!

    Reply
  26. kayla18j says

    July 6, 2020 at 4:52 pm

    Learning more and more as I go, I love it!

    Reply
  27. Brandon Baumann says

    July 6, 2020 at 4:54 pm

    I wish I had a tank larger enough + Sump to have a refugium

    Reply
  28. jenniferlincoln2628 says

    July 6, 2020 at 5:47 pm

    Good information. It takes lot to clean. Yes I will add snails too.

    Reply
  29. Micheal says

    July 6, 2020 at 5:50 pm

    I will have to try some snails in the refugium and see if they help along with getting more for the tank.

    Reply
  30. Brian Contest says

    July 6, 2020 at 5:52 pm

    Saving for later

    Reply
  31. Joy Chadwick says

    July 6, 2020 at 6:06 pm

    Thanks for the valuable info!!!

    Reply
  32. Jeanne Brown says

    July 6, 2020 at 6:42 pm

    Excellent ideas.Will try snails and peppermint shrimp in my refugium. Assume they don’t mind the constant light?

    Reply
  33. Mitchell Draehn says

    July 6, 2020 at 6:49 pm

    Just built a sump for my new setup and will be adding some of these in the future thanks for the info

    Reply
  34. David Yuen says

    July 6, 2020 at 11:13 pm

    Peppermint shrimp is a hit and miss.

    Reply
  35. Alexis Lopez says

    July 6, 2020 at 11:54 pm

    ???‍♂️ I keep my light of 24/7 for chaeto ???

    Reply
  36. Granger says

    July 7, 2020 at 4:20 am

    Just make sure your snails can’t get on your float switch for your ATO. Makes a big mess.

    Reply
  37. Bob Trimper says

    July 7, 2020 at 4:22 am

    Great article – might have to add crew to sump . . .

    Reply
  38. giddetm says

    July 7, 2020 at 5:12 am

    I need pods

    Reply
  39. Michael Mooney says

    July 7, 2020 at 7:50 am

    I need more pods

    Reply
  40. jackgoldstein12.0 says

    July 7, 2020 at 8:25 am

    My peppermint shrimp killed my acans!

    Reply
  41. D says

    July 7, 2020 at 11:41 am

    The biggest issue I have with my clean up crew is snail poop it builds up so fast and is super ugly in a flat bottom tank. it’s a white ashy looking pellet and sinks right yo the bottom.

    Reply
  42. angelyrojas23 says

    July 7, 2020 at 12:32 pm

    They work 24/7

    Reply
  43. angelyrojas23 says

    July 7, 2020 at 12:37 pm

    ???

    Reply
  44. Chuck Hamby says

    July 7, 2020 at 1:49 pm

    Great article! It is very challenging to keep refugium clean! I definitely need to add more pods and snails.

    Reply
  45. Chuck Hamby says

    July 7, 2020 at 1:52 pm

    Great article! It is very challenging to keep refugium clean! I definitely need to add more pods and snails.

    Reply
    • Michael Kessler says

      July 29, 2020 at 10:48 am

      A proper CUC goes along way in keeping things purty.

      Reply
  46. Matt says

    July 7, 2020 at 4:22 pm

    Another great article. Lots of good info.

    Reply
  47. Joe says

    July 7, 2020 at 6:20 pm

    Looking to build!

    Reply
  48. Anisa says

    July 7, 2020 at 6:49 pm

    Great info!

    Reply
  49. Frederick Edwards says

    July 7, 2020 at 7:31 pm

    Good information.

    Reply
  50. rcillig says

    July 7, 2020 at 7:33 pm

    I need to restock my CUC

    Reply
  51. Tina R Rice says

    July 7, 2020 at 7:50 pm

    I need a true refugium.
    Right now I have a tiny hang on

    Reply
  52. Robert Paniagua says

    July 7, 2020 at 9:48 pm

    Very informative on cuc on the sump. Hopefully they wont my pods

    Reply
  53. toeheadlover says

    July 7, 2020 at 10:47 pm

    Great tips. I’ve never even heard of peppermint shrimp.

    Reply
  54. probablytomm says

    July 7, 2020 at 11:32 pm

    ?️??️?

    Reply
  55. kaylie.marcellus says

    July 7, 2020 at 11:50 pm

    I’ve never seen peppermint shrimp before! They’re so cute. Complete ecosystems always interested me, especially the jar terrariums. I used to have a huge pest snail problem and then got a feeding dish and that’s helped me a ton, my cherry shrimp do the rest.

    Reply
  56. kaylie.marcellus says

    July 7, 2020 at 11:50 pm

    I’ve never seen peppermint shrimp before! They’re so cute. Complete ecosystems always interested me, especially the jar terrariums. I used to have a huge pest snail problem and then got a feeding dish and that’s helped me a ton, my cherry shrimp do the rest.

    Reply
  57. call1471 says

    July 8, 2020 at 4:30 am

    Good info!

    Reply
  58. Bob says

    July 8, 2020 at 8:43 am

    I have always had snails in the fuge, they do great!

    Reply
  59. staceyhupperich says

    July 8, 2020 at 11:07 am

    Great article with so much info. Thank you

    Reply
  60. beck19real says

    July 8, 2020 at 3:02 pm

    liked it

    Reply
  61. Kyle T says

    July 8, 2020 at 5:06 pm

    Good read

    Reply
  62. mfoote11 says

    July 9, 2020 at 6:11 am

    I learn so much from these post. Please keep doing what you are doing.

    Reply
  63. mfoote11 says

    July 9, 2020 at 6:33 am

    Great read!

    Reply
  64. maddies_mom2 says

    July 9, 2020 at 6:43 am

    Pods should be arriving today!

    Reply
  65. Scott Even says

    July 9, 2020 at 8:47 am

    Never thought of it this way

    Reply
  66. Stoops Crisostomo says

    July 9, 2020 at 9:08 am

    It’s limited in a nano tank as the the CUC plows over all my corals.

    Reply
  67. katrinkam says

    July 9, 2020 at 10:40 am

    Excited to be setting up our first refuguim!

    Reply
  68. taylor Edwards says

    July 9, 2020 at 2:28 pm

    Great article:-)

    Reply
  69. Lawrence Zapata says

    July 9, 2020 at 9:23 pm

    I love my red banded trochus snails.

    Reply
  70. Diane Wolf says

    July 10, 2020 at 2:11 am

    Fantastic information! Bookmarking to read again!

    Reply
  71. Dave Phillips says

    July 10, 2020 at 10:36 am

    great clean up crew ….thank you !!!

    Reply
  72. angelyrojas23 says

    July 10, 2020 at 11:58 am

    Pods is a must need

    Reply
  73. moses.mp10 says

    July 10, 2020 at 1:58 pm

    Awsome

    Reply
  74. Ray Waldrop says

    July 10, 2020 at 8:25 pm

    Love cleanup info

    Reply
  75. Denise a pratt says

    July 10, 2020 at 10:42 pm

    Thank you for the insight on how to keep your tank clean. Great advice

    Reply
  76. AVeryFishyFish says

    July 10, 2020 at 10:51 pm

    I want pepper mint shrimp if I get saltwater.

    Reply
  77. pumas0511 says

    July 11, 2020 at 1:38 am

    Great information. Thanks ?.

    Reply
  78. ksnyder0529 says

    July 11, 2020 at 7:43 am

    thanx for all the great info!

    Reply
  79. bglover65-5383 says

    July 11, 2020 at 8:39 am

    Clean up crews are absolutely essential for any saltwater tank. In any tank build-up, I start with the clean up crew and work my way up.

    Reply
  80. bglover65-5383 says

    July 11, 2020 at 8:42 am

    Clean up crews are absolutely essential to any saltwater tank

    Reply
  81. John Dickson says

    July 11, 2020 at 8:48 am

    need this.

    Reply
  82. katrinkam says

    July 11, 2020 at 8:54 am

    ?

    Reply
  83. Tammy Liscio says

    July 11, 2020 at 9:32 am

    Good information. It takes lot to clean. Yes I will add snails too.

    Reply
  84. bglover65-5383 says

    July 11, 2020 at 11:02 am

    No clean up crew = no reef tank. Its just that easy.

    Reply
  85. Brandon Miller says

    July 11, 2020 at 1:30 pm

    ??

    Reply
  86. Jeff Hardwick says

    July 11, 2020 at 3:30 pm

    Awesome

    Reply
  87. Steven Flores says

    July 11, 2020 at 4:57 pm

    Great info. Looking to start one and this info is very helpful.

    Reply
  88. William Leonard says

    July 11, 2020 at 5:11 pm

    Great information thanks

    Reply
  89. shawn22vest says

    July 11, 2020 at 8:19 pm

    This is a thing most ppl never think about!

    Reply
  90. Sam says

    July 11, 2020 at 10:07 pm

    Very informative, definitely got to be pin for later

    Reply
  91. Nathan R. Knowles says

    July 12, 2020 at 3:09 am

    I had an urchin in my refugium for a while. My macro algae still had to be trimmed up frequently. I think it liked the coralline algae covering the sump more.

    Reply
  92. Patrick Macalalad says

    July 12, 2020 at 6:23 am

    Awesome.

    Reply
  93. Tamara Tanner says

    July 12, 2020 at 8:27 am

    I am so in and believing

    Reply
  94. Tamara Tanner says

    July 12, 2020 at 8:28 am

    in whole heartedly…

    Reply
  95. Robert Dinsmore says

    July 12, 2020 at 10:40 am

    Good Stuff

    Reply
  96. Dale Louderback says

    July 12, 2020 at 11:24 am

    We need more help like this

    Reply
  97. hawaiijack says

    July 12, 2020 at 2:30 pm

    ok

    Reply
  98. haynpaula says

    July 12, 2020 at 3:59 pm

    need pods for sure

    Reply
  99. Vickie L Couturier says

    July 13, 2020 at 1:58 am

    how interesting,i never thought about how it gets cleaned up before

    Reply
  100. dwarstler3 says

    July 13, 2020 at 9:31 am

    Perfect!

    Reply
  101. dwarstler3 says

    July 13, 2020 at 9:33 am

    Excellent!

    Reply
  102. Chas Corum says

    July 13, 2020 at 12:54 pm

    I’m looking forward to installing my first refugium soon. I have spent a lot of time researching what is best to use and it seems much more beneficial to the system than.a bunch of chemicals.

    Reply
  103. RAMON MATEO says

    July 13, 2020 at 1:45 pm

    ?

    Reply
  104. john-3645 says

    July 13, 2020 at 1:47 pm

    Thank you for the information!

    Reply
  105. Ronald Rutstein says

    July 13, 2020 at 1:52 pm

    Love the clean up crews available

    Reply
  106. CHRISTIAN DOMINE says

    July 13, 2020 at 2:22 pm

    Great info learned alot

    Reply
  107. Don Newell says

    July 13, 2020 at 2:47 pm

    Very helpful thanks

    Reply
  108. jimmeiners says

    July 13, 2020 at 2:50 pm

    These articles are always a great read and full of information.

    Reply
  109. Thom says

    July 13, 2020 at 2:54 pm

    Who knew?

    Reply
  110. Tina Votaw says

    July 13, 2020 at 3:20 pm

    Great advice. Thank you so much for the info!!

    Reply
  111. Chad Migues says

    July 13, 2020 at 3:26 pm

    Suggestions for clean up crew for a 220 gallon reef aquarium and a 125 gallon fish only aquarium and a 45 gallon seahorse aquarium

    Reply
  112. mquinones99 says

    July 13, 2020 at 3:34 pm

    Need more emmies! Have to continue tweaking

    Reply
  113. Steven Flores says

    July 13, 2020 at 4:37 pm

    Good information. In the process of starting a fuge.

    Reply
  114. Ethan Chavez says

    July 13, 2020 at 4:40 pm

    Great article ?? ? ?

    Reply
  115. Dongyu says

    July 13, 2020 at 5:12 pm

    Great Article.

    Reply
  116. Dongyu says

    July 13, 2020 at 5:14 pm

    Very helpful!

    Reply
  117. carliehoch1 says

    July 13, 2020 at 9:15 pm

    I think it’s a great idea to build a close to perfect ecosystem between tank and sump/refugium.

    Reply
  118. Kyle says

    July 13, 2020 at 10:22 pm

    Great read

    Reply
  119. rp6610 says

    July 13, 2020 at 11:45 pm

    Clean up crews are absolutely essential to aquarium hobbyists ecosystems.

    Reply
  120. reynaldo787 says

    July 14, 2020 at 3:45 am

    Great info thanks.

    Reply
  121. demetrius463 says

    July 14, 2020 at 7:52 am

    Always wanted more information on a clean up crew for the refugium.

    Reply
  122. rebeckie42 says

    July 14, 2020 at 11:08 am

    Very good information, I will look back on this when I get my tank set up. Thank you

    Reply
  123. zadok jollie says

    July 14, 2020 at 11:46 am

    Every time I’ve read one of these articles, I’ve learned a lot.

    Reply
    • Steven Garland says

      July 17, 2020 at 1:24 pm

      You and me both !!! I love a diverse ecosystem !!!

      Reply
  124. david.c.garcia53 says

    July 14, 2020 at 5:40 pm

    Great info!

    Reply
  125. saintdominick says

    July 15, 2020 at 3:23 am

    Wow there’s so many options to work with then. This minimized the amount of equipment needed to maintain your tank giving it a more natural look. I think I might switch to salt water. I don’t feel like I have as many options with fresh water. I learned so much just trying to apply for the contest. I honestly didn’t know that much about salt water tanks because I’m still pretty new to the hobby. Thanks

    Reply
  126. Zac says

    July 15, 2020 at 3:51 am

    always good to read and learn more about the hobby.

    Reply
  127. davirjlopes says

    July 15, 2020 at 8:09 am

    Awesome info. got a ton of pods in my refugium and thinking about adding a couple of snails.

    Reply
  128. txrock7 says

    July 15, 2020 at 3:19 pm

    Good to know

    Reply
  129. vongyang1871 says

    July 16, 2020 at 7:53 am

    I’m gonna try peppermint shrimp in refugium

    Reply
  130. Jeremy Taylor says

    July 16, 2020 at 9:53 am

    Good to know

    Reply
  131. galetichtrey1 says

    July 16, 2020 at 1:59 pm

    Great info to know!

    Reply
  132. Kayla Patel says

    July 16, 2020 at 2:10 pm

    I’m new to saltwater tanks. I have my tank set up I would like to know how to built a refugium

    Reply
  133. scotty8284 says

    July 17, 2020 at 9:34 am

    So much to think about! Great insights.

    Reply
  134. dixtated says

    July 17, 2020 at 2:51 pm

    interesting

    Reply
  135. Samer Samaha says

    July 17, 2020 at 5:01 pm

    Best way is the natural way!

    Reply
  136. a.cuffy says

    July 18, 2020 at 5:35 am

    This is some great info. My brother just got me into this hobby and now I am obsessed. I differently add this blog to my top five.

    Reply
  137. Mackenzie Hayes says

    July 18, 2020 at 4:42 pm

    Haven’t started a refugium just yet but this is great info!

    Reply
  138. Macco says

    July 20, 2020 at 10:23 am

    I would love this

    Reply
  139. Russell George says

    July 20, 2020 at 1:24 pm

    Very good info!

    Reply
  140. david.c.garcia53 says

    July 20, 2020 at 1:29 pm

    Great info. Thanks

    Reply
  141. Esther says

    July 20, 2020 at 1:45 pm

    Great reminder that I need to get a CUC for my refugium!

    Reply
  142. jugheadmckinney says

    July 20, 2020 at 2:00 pm

    I need to read, read, then re-read before I get an aquarium.

    Reply
  143. Joaquin Diaz says

    July 20, 2020 at 2:02 pm

    Looks like I m going to have to put some critter in my fuge? Will they eat up on the copepod population?

    Reply
  144. chris-1546 says

    July 20, 2020 at 2:19 pm

    II had not considered a shrimp in my fuge..

    Reply
  145. Jonathan Smith says

    July 20, 2020 at 2:32 pm

    My refuge needs more critters

    Reply
  146. Octavio V says

    July 20, 2020 at 2:37 pm

    I didn’t know that I’m supposed to add snails to control the algae in there. I’m so glad that I read this

    Reply
  147. lavishtour says

    July 20, 2020 at 3:46 pm

    Good read.

    Reply
  148. Ryan H Pfaff says

    July 20, 2020 at 5:17 pm

    very helpful

    Reply
  149. henry says

    July 20, 2020 at 5:21 pm

    yep read this last week and already add cuc to it. Didnt even thing of a cuc

    Reply
  150. Tracy Schultz says

    July 20, 2020 at 8:08 pm

    Great info

    Reply
  151. Jorge says

    July 20, 2020 at 8:44 pm

    Great information. Thanks so much.

    Reply
  152. Michael A. Grammar says

    July 21, 2020 at 1:04 am

    Thanks!

    Reply
  153. Jaana K Gilbert says

    July 21, 2020 at 5:35 am

    Time to add more cleanup crew to my refugium, it’s starting to get dirty.

    Reply
  154. Roy Ailshie says

    July 21, 2020 at 6:42 am

    Great post

    Reply
  155. Robert says

    July 21, 2020 at 7:27 am

    As with anything in this hobby, make small and deliberate changes to address concerns/conditions so as to ensure positive outcomes. Always enjoy reading and learning from your articles. Thanks!

    Reply
  156. Amanda Zlab says

    July 21, 2020 at 11:53 am

    Great information!

    Reply
  157. Shaun says

    July 21, 2020 at 12:34 pm

    Never really thought of placing invertebrate in my refugium. I guess I’ll be trying this one

    Reply
  158. Abdiel Nieves says

    July 21, 2020 at 2:38 pm

    Teamwork!

    Reply
  159. Christina Wahrmund says

    July 21, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    This has been very helpful!

    Reply
  160. stkmach says

    July 21, 2020 at 10:17 pm

    Lots of good info in there.

    Reply
  161. shadlepreston says

    July 22, 2020 at 12:44 am

    Thanks!

    Reply
  162. Ricardo c. says

    July 22, 2020 at 10:00 am

    I just did this the last week and I can see a difference ???

    Reply
  163. John Solomon says

    July 22, 2020 at 10:28 am

    Love the information (Y)

    Reply
  164. Juicy Fry says

    July 22, 2020 at 11:38 am

    Makes me want to take care of my tank or clean something within it

    Reply
  165. Scott D Carpenter says

    July 23, 2020 at 1:55 am

    I have had many if these critters over the years but the best $30 I ever spent in my life was for an aptasia eating filefish. I had hundreds taking over my tank and tried Tha aptasia magic wand, laser and almost every other product to get rid of them. Couldn’t use shrimp because I have wrasse. The filefish ate the all in less than a month.

    Reply
  166. ryan2577p says

    July 24, 2020 at 1:13 am

    I guess I really don’t need a fugium since I have a 5 gallon evo

    Reply
  167. ryan2577p says

    July 24, 2020 at 1:13 am

    I guess I really don’t need a fugium since I have a 5 gallon evo

    Reply
  168. Rebecca Riles says

    July 24, 2020 at 10:33 am

    Good to know

    Reply
  169. kaylaroe1990 says

    July 25, 2020 at 6:56 pm

    I’m think of setting up a refugium.

    Reply
  170. Catherine Carreiro says

    July 26, 2020 at 12:25 pm

    Definitely have pods and snails in my fuge

    Reply
  171. crystalgpscott says

    July 26, 2020 at 1:01 pm

    Wow!! Very helpful.

    Reply
  172. Betsy Myers says

    July 26, 2020 at 5:18 pm

    Very informative and educations post!

    Reply
  173. Juan Carlos Perez says

    July 27, 2020 at 11:33 am

    Ive got pods and hermit and emerald crabs in my refugium, keeps bubble algae under control

    Reply
  174. Grace Riley says

    July 27, 2020 at 2:19 pm

    I think a display fuge is an awesome way to go and if you have cool clean up crew all the better!

    Reply
  175. Daniel Paris says

    July 27, 2020 at 11:09 pm

    Will be pleased when cerith and nassarius snails are back in stock

    Reply
  176. Caleb A Bates says

    July 28, 2020 at 1:27 pm

    Too bad I don’t have a refugium.

    Reply
  177. Donald says

    July 28, 2020 at 3:47 pm

    Good information to have!

    Reply
  178. Angel says

    July 28, 2020 at 8:23 pm

    Reason why I need a sump

    Reply
  179. Cynthia Taylor says

    July 28, 2020 at 9:22 pm

    Peppermints are neat and fun to watch too!

    Reply
  180. ROBERT FERNETTE says

    July 29, 2020 at 12:53 pm

    I don’t have a refugium in my current tank, but I have 4 hermit crabs, 2 emerald crabs, 2 sally lightfoot crabs, 2 peppermint shrimp, and a lawnmower blenny that help to keep my tank spotless.

    Reply
  181. hotdolphin21 says

    July 29, 2020 at 6:49 pm

    Great article!

    Reply
  182. Shannon Pickin says

    July 29, 2020 at 8:14 pm

    Great info!

    Reply
  183. Debra Hayson says

    July 30, 2020 at 2:04 pm

    thank you for the info would keep the tips in mind

    Reply
  184. Kaden Horn says

    July 30, 2020 at 11:22 pm

    Peppermints totally eradicated aiptasia in my tanks in a day

    Reply
  185. Joey Gatlin says

    July 30, 2020 at 11:32 pm

    Don’t have a fuge but when I do definitely getting a fuge cleanup crew

    Reply
  186. Mary Robling Meadows says

    July 31, 2020 at 5:29 am

    I’m definitely going to check in to Copepods this weekend!

    Reply
  187. Kelly Freeman says

    July 31, 2020 at 6:07 am

    thanks for the info!

    Reply
  188. kirkbovie says

    July 31, 2020 at 4:20 pm

    So excited for my new build coming back into the hobby. Nice read!

    Reply
  189. merlinr26 says

    October 21, 2021 at 2:06 pm

    Good to know. I will add a few of my cleanup crew to the fuge.

    Reply
  190. Emilie Lockley says

    October 24, 2021 at 6:16 am

    Thank you for this awesome info.

    Reply

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