Building Your Refugium Clean-Up Crew by Kenneth WingerterNo 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. 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 Pests 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!
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
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
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
dragonprincess74008 says July 6, 2020 at 2:01 pm Very informative! I’m adding to my CUC as often as I can! Reply
Josh Barrett says July 6, 2020 at 2:11 pm Interesting. Good thing I got a bunch of pods coming 😉 Reply
Donna L Holder says July 6, 2020 at 2:17 pm it does take time to keep this clean. but its worth it Reply
jenniferlincoln2628 says July 6, 2020 at 5:48 pm Good information. It takes lot to clean. Yes I will add snails too. Reply
Jordn Gerardot says July 6, 2020 at 2:24 pm I never considered placing invertebrate in my refugium. Great Idea! Reply
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
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
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
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
Christian Bragalone says July 6, 2020 at 3:57 pm Awesome read and will definitely be getting some snails in my refugium. Reply
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
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
Brandon Baumann says July 6, 2020 at 4:54 pm I wish I had a tank larger enough + Sump to have a refugium Reply
jenniferlincoln2628 says July 6, 2020 at 5:47 pm Good information. It takes lot to clean. Yes I will add snails too. Reply
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Robert Paniagua says July 7, 2020 at 9:48 pm Very informative on cuc on the sump. Hopefully they wont my pods Reply
toeheadlover says July 7, 2020 at 10:47 pm Great tips. I’ve never even heard of peppermint shrimp. Reply
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
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
mfoote11 says July 9, 2020 at 6:11 am I learn so much from these post. Please keep doing what you are doing. Reply
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
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
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
bglover65-5383 says July 11, 2020 at 8:42 am Clean up crews are absolutely essential to any saltwater tank Reply
Tammy Liscio says July 11, 2020 at 9:32 am Good information. It takes lot to clean. Yes I will add snails too. Reply
bglover65-5383 says July 11, 2020 at 11:02 am No clean up crew = no reef tank. Its just that easy. Reply
Steven Flores says July 11, 2020 at 4:57 pm Great info. Looking to start one and this info is very helpful. Reply
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
Vickie L Couturier says July 13, 2020 at 1:58 am how interesting,i never thought about how it gets cleaned up before Reply
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
jimmeiners says July 13, 2020 at 2:50 pm These articles are always a great read and full of information. Reply
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
Steven Flores says July 13, 2020 at 4:37 pm Good information. In the process of starting a fuge. Reply
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
rp6610 says July 13, 2020 at 11:45 pm Clean up crews are absolutely essential to aquarium hobbyists ecosystems. Reply
demetrius463 says July 14, 2020 at 7:52 am Always wanted more information on a clean up crew for the refugium. Reply
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
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
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
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
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
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
Mackenzie Hayes says July 18, 2020 at 4:42 pm Haven’t started a refugium just yet but this is great info! Reply
jugheadmckinney says July 20, 2020 at 2:00 pm I need to read, read, then re-read before I get an aquarium. Reply
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
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
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
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
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
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
Ricardo c. says July 22, 2020 at 10:00 am I just did this the last week and I can see a difference ??? Reply
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
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
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
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
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
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
Daniel Paris says July 27, 2020 at 11:09 pm Will be pleased when cerith and nassarius snails are back in stock Reply
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
Kaden Horn says July 30, 2020 at 11:22 pm Peppermints totally eradicated aiptasia in my tanks in a day Reply
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
Mary Robling Meadows says July 31, 2020 at 5:29 am I’m definitely going to check in to Copepods this weekend! Reply
kirkbovie says July 31, 2020 at 4:20 pm So excited for my new build coming back into the hobby. Nice read! Reply
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
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