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You are here: Home / Refugium Education / Cryptic Zones in the Refugium
No, not this kind of cryptic zone!

Cryptic Zones in the Refugium

by Kenneth Wingerter

Deep still water can often become a cryptic zoneWhat are Cryptic Zones, Anyway?

The planted refugium and its associated cryptic zones have gained a lot of traction among reef aquarists in recent years. This has largely been the result of a growing awareness of the need to control excess dissolved nutrients (e.g. nitrate and phosphate). As hobbyists experiment with specifics like macroalgae species selection, lighting regimes, etc., we continue to fine-tune refugium methodology, particularly with respect to nutrient management.

But what about waste materials such as particulate organic matter? Surely, you can remove plenty if you add lots of mechanical filter media and service them constantly. And sure, harpacticoid copepods (which thrive in planted refugia) do eat much of these wastes. But could water polishing/detritus elimination be much easier and overall most effective by adding a second, distinctly different, element to our refugium systems? Perhaps yes, by adding a cryptic zone.

From the crypt

The concept of cryptic zones in aquaria is not very new; it was, in fact, pretty well thought out and described about 15 years ago (most notably by Steve Tyree). But have they since been thoroughly tested and extensively developed? To date, not so much. However, with all the present-day advancements in refugium technology, and our higher standards for reef aquarium water quality, cryptic zones arguably are worthy of much reexamination.

So, in the context of a reef tank, what exactly is a cryptic zone? In short, it’s basically a dark, quiet area under rocks or within rocky caves/crevasses. These particular types of microhabitat are somewhat underrepresented in our reef models. And this imbalance is of considerable ecological consequence, particularly when it comes to nutrient cycling.

Water movement (wave action, tidal currents, etc.) is typically quite strong in coral reef environments. This tends to keep particulate matter suspended in the water column. However, particulates may settle out in areas of lesser flow (i.e. within deeper recesses in the reef structure). These pockets are usually heavily shaded and so lack the fast-growing photosynthetic organisms that thrive on the “outside.” This creates a niche for less competitive, nonphotosynthetic (NPS) invertebrates. This group, by and large, is made up of filter-feeders such as NPS corals, feather worms, bivalve mollusks, sponges, etc. It also includes reclusive deposit-feeders (i.e. detritivores) such as bristle worms, brittle starfish, amphipods, etc.

Tyree breaks up lateral reef microhabitats into several distinct zones. “Traditionally, scientists use three main physical parameters–light, water current and the type and amount of particulate matter suspended in the water column when describing the environmental conditions of the various natural tropical reef zones they have identified.”

Reef ecologists often speak of Exposed Zones, Semi-Exposed Zones, and Twilight Zones. The Exposed Zone refers to shallow-water environments that receive strong sunlight (close to 100% full intensity). Typical water velocities in this zone are high (up to 150 cm/second). While these currents are certainly strong enough to keep particulates in suspension, they are often too strong to allow for efficient filter-feeding.

In the Semi-exposed Zone, however, light levels are much lower (5-10% full intensity) and water currents are weaker (1-10 cm/second). In this Goldilocks zone, where most particulates remain suspended in the water column, passive filter-feeding organisms (feather worms, NPS corals, etc.) can efficiently feed but are not outcompeted for space by photosynthetic organisms.

Tyree names three sub-zones to describe the microhabitats beneath the Exposed Zone. The first, the Semi-Cryptic Zone, is situated in deep pits or beneath large overhangs. Few photosynthetic organisms are adapted to survive in these shaded areas. Here, light levels are 1-5% full intensity and water currents run around 0.1-1 cm/second. Only small particulates remain in suspension here due to the weaker currents. This zone may be home to both passive and active suspension feeders.

The second, the Cryptic Zone, refers to the darkest recesses of heavily sheltered caves/crevasses where photosynthetic organisms cannot survive. Light levels here are less than 1% full intensity and currents are under than 0.1 cm/second. As only very small particles remain suspended in these weak currents, this zone is dominated by active suspension feeders (sponges, bivalves, etc.) that can pump the “dead” water.

The third, the Filter Feeder Zone, lies somewhere between the Semi-Cryptic and Semi-Exposed Zones. Here, water currents are steady enough and just strong enough to keep larger particulates perpetually suspended. Light intensity is of less consequence in this zone and might be anywhere between 1% and 10% full intensity. Water velocity might also vary widely (anywhere from 1 to 10 cm/second). As these conditions generally support large amounts of suspended matter, passive filter-feeders dominate here.

A quiet corner

In practice, we may think of the outer surfaces of the reef rock in our aquaria (where lighting presumably is intense and currents are strong) as an Exposed Zone. Given the relatively small size of our artificial reef structures, Semi-Exposed/Semi-Cryptic Zones are scant. True Twilight Zones are almost nonexistent.

Remedying this can require as little work as ensuring that large, shaded recesses are incorporated into the hardscape. In addition to building large caves and overhangs, such may be accomplished by leaving a spacious hollow in the middle of the rock structure. These areas attract various small sponges, foraminiferans, small tube worms, etc. The keeper also can stock these spots with NPS corals, oysters, larger tube worms, etc.

No one wants a lot of detritus in the main (e.g. display) tank. In truth, little to none should be allowed to settle there (particularly when recreating a fully exposed, SPS-dominated habitat). Instead, particulates should be encouraged to settle out in the refugium. And here’s where the really cryptic part comes in.

In its simplest form, a refugium Cryptic Zone basically consists of a big pile of rubble rock, either in some compartment within the refugium (packed between a pair or baffles) or in a totally separate and dedicated “cryptic refugium.” Here, the tight labyrinth of spaces between the rocks slows water flow and allows most particulates to fall out of suspension. Water flow should be limited, though the space should not be allowed to go stagnant. Lighting is unnecessary (undesirable, even) in this area.

With this arrangement, you promote species diversity by creating additional niche environments within the aquarium system. Mainly passive filter-feeding organisms remove larger suspended particles in the Semi-Cryptic Zone, whilst active filter-feeders remove smaller particles in the Cryptic Zone. Also within the Cryptic Zone, deposit-feeders and other detritivores remove organic sediments as they accumulate there.

Conclusion

The take-home? System water is clearer where filter-feeders are abundant; bottoms are cleaner where there are more detritivores. The growth/reproduction of these organisms may be promoted by providing/increasing suitable microhabitat. Together, filter-feeders and detritivores act as natural mechanical filters. This reduces the need to install mechanical media such as filter socks, which reduce copepod productivity. More copepods not only means even more detritus reduction but a reduction in nuisance algae as well.

Making a little extra effort to construct cryptic spaces truly has a potentially huge payback!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Shawn Vest says

    July 20, 2020 at 1:28 pm

    A great read!

    Reply
  2. flip mode says

    July 20, 2020 at 1:33 pm

    Very interesting

    Reply
  3. Thereasa Gardner says

    July 20, 2020 at 1:36 pm

    I’m definitely double thinking my filtration! This sort of sounds like a biology experiment!

    Reply
  4. Donna L Holder says

    July 20, 2020 at 1:39 pm

    great info here. thank you

    Reply
  5. Esther says

    July 20, 2020 at 1:44 pm

    Good stuff!

    Reply
  6. jugheadmckinney says

    July 20, 2020 at 1:54 pm

    I must read more articles about fish and aquariums.

    Reply
  7. jugheadmckinney says

    July 20, 2020 at 1:55 pm

    Each read is more interesting than the last.

    Reply
  8. Joaquin Diaz says

    July 20, 2020 at 1:59 pm

    Makes sense. I like a quiet zone myself.

    Reply
  9. Joy Chadwick says

    July 20, 2020 at 2:18 pm

    Definitely a lesson learned of something I never even thought to consider.

    Reply
    • cronamator says

      July 29, 2020 at 4:13 pm

      Steve Tyree has successfully used this system on his tanks. He sells the cryptic starter pack really cheap. I’ve been thinking about this on my next setup.

      Reply
  10. Jonathan Smith says

    July 20, 2020 at 2:28 pm

    Learn something new everyday

    Reply
  11. Octavio V says

    July 20, 2020 at 2:45 pm

    Wow that’s some solid info

    Reply
  12. tyler.powell says

    July 20, 2020 at 3:20 pm

    Great info

    Reply
  13. lavishtour says

    July 20, 2020 at 3:39 pm

    Love it. A natural balance to maintain a healthy reef is what this hobby is all about. My tank if full of hard working animals.

    Reply
  14. Russell George says

    July 20, 2020 at 3:53 pm

    Interesting idea for when I step up to a larger tank that has the space for something like this.

    Reply
  15. CHRISTIAN DOMINE says

    July 20, 2020 at 3:55 pm

    never would have known

    Reply
  16. Kayla Lussier says

    July 20, 2020 at 4:20 pm

    Very cool. As someone still somewhat new to this, I love learning all this new information!

    Reply
  17. Abdullah Bacus says

    July 20, 2020 at 4:30 pm

    i have a bristle star fish that rarely comes out. great red to see how this helps my aquarium out

    Reply
  18. Brandon Bangaree says

    July 20, 2020 at 4:46 pm

    Awesome information

    Reply
  19. Mitchell Draehn says

    July 20, 2020 at 4:59 pm

    Great info I just built my own sump and will take this into consideration when I get it operational!

    Reply
  20. henry says

    July 20, 2020 at 5:16 pm

    ty for the great info

    Reply
  21. scotty8284 says

    July 20, 2020 at 6:45 pm

    It’s so important to recognize the refugium as an integral part of your WHOLE system, and to incorporate into it those elements that often can’t be introduced into the DT. This read stresses that wholistic approach. Thanks for the article!!!!!

    Reply
  22. Steven Flores says

    July 20, 2020 at 6:49 pm

    Wow ! A lot to think about. Good blog

    Reply
  23. Ethan says

    July 20, 2020 at 7:23 pm

    Refugiums and pods are awesome! Great read 🙂

    Reply
  24. Tracy Schultz says

    July 20, 2020 at 8:07 pm

    Awesomeness

    Reply
  25. Frank Politi says

    July 20, 2020 at 8:19 pm

    Great write up!!

    Reply
  26. Jorge says

    July 20, 2020 at 8:41 pm

    Interesting information. Thanks much.

    Reply
  27. Brandon Baumann says

    July 20, 2020 at 9:48 pm

    I had not considered having live rock in a refugium.

    Reply
  28. D says

    July 21, 2020 at 4:13 am

    great article. keep up the good work.

    Reply
  29. Jaana K Gilbert says

    July 21, 2020 at 5:31 am

    Great article!

    Reply
  30. Roy Ailshie says

    July 21, 2020 at 6:45 am

    Great info. Very educational

    Reply
  31. Robert says

    July 21, 2020 at 7:49 am

    Food for thought! Sorry for the pun, I could not resist. Good article that provokes good thought on potential additions to the ecosystem.

    Reply
  32. Thomas Kiley says

    July 21, 2020 at 8:24 am

    Good stuff!

    Reply
  33. Compy Ginorio says

    July 21, 2020 at 10:33 am

    I don’t use live rock in the sump/refugium, but I use one bio block.

    Reply
  34. Amanda Zlab says

    July 21, 2020 at 11:48 am

    Great information!

    Reply
  35. Abdiel Nieves says

    July 21, 2020 at 12:25 pm

    Informative

    Reply
  36. Shaun says

    July 21, 2020 at 12:29 pm

    And this is why I have a ton of live rock in my sump. My tank is always crystal clear…so far (Still a newbie at it…lol)

    Reply
  37. Macco says

    July 21, 2020 at 2:53 pm

    This is so full of information

    Reply
  38. B says

    July 21, 2020 at 4:41 pm

    With the trend of minimum rockscapes, it makes you think of what we are missing out on.

    Reply
  39. Christina Wahrmund says

    July 21, 2020 at 9:05 pm

    Thank you for the information!

    Reply
  40. stkmach says

    July 21, 2020 at 10:15 pm

    Had a friend with a 55g cryptic zone full of live rock, on a 600g tank.

    Reply
  41. shadlepreston says

    July 22, 2020 at 12:31 am

    Good info!

    Reply
  42. Bob & Brenda Gardner says

    July 22, 2020 at 5:39 am

    I am al for natural filtration. The more I read on it the more I want to try some of these “new” ideas.

    Reply
    • Juan Carlos Perez says

      July 27, 2020 at 11:36 am

      Interesting will have to give it a shot.

      Reply
    • Kimberly Sims says

      July 28, 2020 at 9:38 am

      Definitely something to consider in an aquarium

      Reply
  43. zadok jollie says

    July 22, 2020 at 8:44 am

    This was very interesting to think about. I love this hobby

    Reply
  44. Ricardo c. says

    July 22, 2020 at 9:48 am

    Really something to think about. Thank you.

    Reply
  45. John Solomon says

    July 22, 2020 at 10:25 am

    Wow. I knew there was something to the sump, and how low lit it can be, the topic herein just validates the importance of these areas for microhabitat (Y)

    Reply
  46. Scott Even says

    July 22, 2020 at 11:22 am

    Super interesting read

    Reply
  47. justan jenkins says

    July 22, 2020 at 7:52 pm

    definitely makes sense…

    Reply
  48. Scott D Carpenter says

    July 23, 2020 at 2:10 am

    Very interesting.

    Reply
  49. Nathan says

    July 23, 2020 at 8:09 am

    I have a bio block and some other medium in the my refugium would live rock be better?

    Reply
  50. ryan2577p says

    July 24, 2020 at 1:15 am

    It’s pretty common now to put live rock in there now

    Reply
  51. Rebecca Riles says

    July 24, 2020 at 10:31 am

    Interesting.

    Reply
  52. david nathan hatfield says

    July 25, 2020 at 3:34 pm

    a great read

    Reply
  53. kaylaroe1990 says

    July 25, 2020 at 6:58 pm

    ?

    Reply
  54. trevorburns45 says

    July 26, 2020 at 11:07 am

    Nice

    Reply
  55. Catherine Carreiro says

    July 26, 2020 at 12:22 pm

    Interesting

    Reply
  56. crystalgpscott says

    July 26, 2020 at 1:04 pm

    I want to create a cryptic zone!

    Reply
  57. Dale Louderback says

    July 26, 2020 at 5:05 pm

    I am learning something new everyday

    Reply
    • Michael Kessler says

      July 29, 2020 at 9:53 am

      Great article, you guys taught me something today.

      Reply
  58. Betsy Myers says

    July 26, 2020 at 5:20 pm

    So helpful with learning more.

    Reply
  59. Grace Riley says

    July 27, 2020 at 2:25 pm

    Interesting read, I love my filter feeders!

    Reply
  60. smithma274 says

    July 27, 2020 at 2:26 pm

    This is awesome, thank you!

    Reply
  61. Jim says

    July 27, 2020 at 3:10 pm

    Always great info in your articles

    Reply
  62. Jordn Gerardot says

    July 27, 2020 at 3:40 pm

    Never crossed my mind. Super interesting

    Reply
  63. Justan Jenkins says

    July 27, 2020 at 3:51 pm

    sounds good.. but pictures showing actual zonage.. might have been nice instead of pictures of a crypt.. lol

    Reply
  64. Daniel Paris says

    July 27, 2020 at 11:05 pm

    This makes me feel good about not having filter socks

    Reply
  65. gbrag64 says

    July 28, 2020 at 10:33 am

    What a read

    Reply
  66. Caleb A Bates says

    July 28, 2020 at 1:25 pm

    Interesting!

    Reply
  67. Donald says

    July 28, 2020 at 3:46 pm

    Great info!

    Reply
  68. Angel says

    July 28, 2020 at 8:19 pm

    Scary day learning something new with AlgaeBarn

    Reply
  69. Grace Riley says

    July 29, 2020 at 12:12 pm

    I love my filter feeders and I love the idea of a display fuge.

    Reply
  70. ROBERT FERNETTE says

    July 29, 2020 at 12:49 pm

    My tank isn’t set up with a refugium, but when I have one that does have one, I will give this a try.

    Reply
  71. hotdolphin21 says

    July 29, 2020 at 6:47 pm

    Great article!

    Reply
  72. Rudy A Garcia says

    July 29, 2020 at 8:11 pm

    Plenty of information in here that is worth a try in home aquariums. If you have a refugium ar least, which I don’t. Maybe in a future tank.

    Reply
  73. Shannon Pickin says

    July 29, 2020 at 8:11 pm

    Awesome!

    Reply
  74. Debra Hayson says

    July 30, 2020 at 1:59 pm

    very useful information ,i haven’t had a fish aquarium in years and I am willing to try it again

    Reply
  75. Aubrey Scott Daniels says

    July 30, 2020 at 6:02 pm

    Very interesting read!

    Reply
  76. Kaden Horn says

    July 30, 2020 at 11:19 pm

    Will try this in the fuge

    Reply
  77. Joey Gatlin says

    July 30, 2020 at 11:25 pm

    Great read and great information

    Reply
  78. Mary Robling Meadows says

    July 31, 2020 at 5:19 am

    Really interesting! I learn something new every day!

    Reply
  79. Kelly Freeman says

    July 31, 2020 at 6:07 am

    thanks for the info!

    Reply
  80. kirkbovie says

    July 31, 2020 at 4:08 pm

    Great read! Try to be as organic as possible.

    Reply
  81. Nicole says

    July 31, 2020 at 7:48 pm

    Interesting

    Reply

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