What is the difference between Sump and Refugium??

[IMLON2]

What is in a Sump? (Sand, Glass bottom) :?:
I kind of know whats in a Refugium? (sand/Mud, rock, Pods)

The sump has me stumped :roll:
Is this just a place for more water, and a place to put the Heater and Skimmer?????

[Pineapple House]

A sump is the place that you could hide the things tha you might not want in the tank; calcium reactor, skimmer, heater(s), RO/DI, etc. A sump will also add extra water volume to the tank, and aid in extra filtration. You could find many things in a sump; skimmer, heater, ro units, etc. as well as live rock, power head intake, etc.

A refugium would be a place to grow algaes. This is exelent filtration, as the algaes will absorb quite a bit out of the water column, as well as provide a nice place for pods to reproduce without being eaten from the fish. You would normally find some substrate (if any), maybe a power head, and basicly a wide assortment of algae, usually calerpa.

This should give you a general idea :)

PH =)

[Zack]

yes, when doing a reef IMO a sump is not as good idea as refugium because of bioballs. The powerhead in the refugium is not a good idea as calurpa like little flow! Good luck!

[phistio]

also...not all refugiums use mud...some do quite well with live sand. as well, not all sumps have bio-balls...