The most common reef aquarium supplies and accessories you'll need to build your own reef ecosystem (also called a refugium ) are the plumbing materials, the filtration system, and the lighting set-up. Here are some general guidelines as to what to look for as you go to purchase these necessary reef aquarium supplies and accessories.
The first thing you'll want to determine when designing and planning for a home reef aquarium is what type of plumbing set-up you'll need. There are various options; some will include a sump pump, for instance, while others might take advantage of tapping off of an existing protein skimmer to make the most of water quality. Generally speaking, the key to establishing a plumbing system in a refugium is to ensure that the water quality remains as top-notch as possible; in other words, your plumbing system must be designed with the needs of proper air and water circulation in order for it to operate at its most efficient level.
Next, you'll want to make sure to pick out a high-efficiency, ultra-reliable, and top-performing filtration system. There are several brands to choose from based on your budget and your particular refugium design; the one you choose should be able to sufficiently support the size of reef aquarium you're designing, as well as the amount of aquatic life that will be inhabiting it. Again, the key of choosing reef aquarium supplies and accessories is to choose set-ups and product models that will help your system function most efficiently.
The third think you'll want to make sure to plan for is the purchase of a high-quality, intense lighting system. Most reef ecosystems need high-wattage in order for the system to become self-sustaining; after all, natural oceanic reef systems receive the daily power of the sun with which to use for ecological sustainment and growth. A good lighting system will help your refugium adapt to its own natural, biological rhythm.
Lastly, you'll need to think about all of the smaller (yet no less important) reef aquarium supplies and accessories you'll need. Don't forget the sand and rock (serious aquarists will recommend that you purchase 'live' sand and rock to make your reef aquarium the most authentic, natural, and self-sustaining system as it can be), as well as the reef coral that you'll need to create the refuge for your aquatic friends. After all, when it comes down to it, a refugium's entire purpose in the wild is to provide a safe harbor for small animals at risk of harmful predators. Along with the sand, rock, and coral, you can at this time shop for additional decorative accessories you may want to add for aesthetic interest as well.
Ultimately, when selecting and purchasing reef aquarium supplies and accessories, there is no one set rule. Just always remember why you're creating a refugium in the first place: to provide a high-quality, natural, self-sustaining aquatic environment for small water creatures to find refuge and perform their natural biological and ecological functions. The reef aquarium supplies and accessories you purchase can vary based on your individual design and preference, yet they should always be purchased with the goal of lasting purity and ecological enhancement.
