A freshwater refugium, or reef aquarium, is an aquatic system that has been set up for two very distinct purposes:
- To provide a safe refuge for small or fragile aquatic life, such as seahorses and small shrimp. This is done by filling in the aquarium floor with reef coral, much like one would find in an actual oceanic coral reef barrier, and then creating a 'natural' barrier around it. The smaller creatures can then make their homes hidden within the reef coral, safe from larger life forms and predators. For the aquarium owner, this means that they can not only own several more aquatic species that would otherwise be eaten or destroyed in a conventional aquarium, but it means the enjoyment of a beautiful coral reef environment within their home as well.
- To create the highest-quality, most consistent, and fully sustainable aquatic environment possible. This is often achieved by not only maintaining the freshwater refugium with the utmost care, but also by setting up the system with only the best in filtration systems and high-end lighting. Most aquarists agree that this is one of the more fascinating aspects of owning a freshwater refugium, because a reef aquarium is, essentially, a completely self-sustaining and all-natural ecological environment-which is not only scientifically interesting, but healthier and safer for the fish and other aquatic life as well.
Freshwater or Saltwater?
The main difference between a freshwater refugium and a saltwater refugium is the types of marine animals that can survive there. A freshwater refugium is set up in exactly the same way as a saltwater reef system; methods differ, and yet the idea is the same: it must be a self-sustaining, consistent, and high-quality aquatic system. Most refugiums are set up in a saltwater environment, because of its likeness to the actual sea. However, there are some people, because of the maintenance involved, who prefer to own a freshwater refugium system.
Creating Your Refugium
Building a saltwater or freshwater refugium requires either an independent system/ tank in which it can sustain itself or, for the more serious and experienced hobbyists, a separate ecosystem within the existing aquarium's water supply. In the latter instance, the refugium shares the existing aquarium's water system, but has been set up in such a way (usually with custom-designed enclosures) that large fish and other predators can't get to the smaller life forms which are hiding within the reef barrier.
Enjoying Your Refugium
The benefits of owning a freshwater refugium can be many. First off, there is the aesthetic appeal; refugiums, when done correctly, are astonishingly beautiful, showing off a wide array of underwater species in their 'natural,' colorful habitat. Second, there's the fact that it not only features the highest quality water, filtration, and lighting systems (and therefore is safer and healthier for the fish and other aquatic creatures) but it is also a self-sustaining system, nurturing life based most entirely on its own natural devices. For the ecological purist, there is no better way to own an aquarium than with a freshwater refugium .
