Refugium safe critters???

I'm setting my new 125 such that the 30 gal refugium in the cabinet below is fully visible into the room. I'm planning 3-4' DSB, a piece of live rock and the usual assortment of calerpa species. I know that the micro critters will eventually multiply but was wondering what other creatures I could add to the refugium to make it a more interesting place to watch but not completely defeat the refugium premise. Cucumbers? Feather duster worms? Urchins?Stars? Hermits? Thanks for your suggestions....

This brings up a good question. Can a refugium be used as sort of a fish only tank as well? What if all of our different types of tanks were connected? Would this be beneficial? I would like to keep a puffer but will not put him in my reef. Can he go in the refugium? Maybe so the algae won't get in the way, it could be partitioned with macro on one side and fish on the other. The partition could be plexiglass with lots of small holes drilled.

To answer your question, Chris, I would think basically anything would be safe to put in a refugium. Except a mandarin since they eat one of the main purposes of an aquarium (pods). Probably not a cucumber either. No sand sifting star but I would think any other ones would be okay.

A refugium is to provide refuge( for the lil critters) from predators. Fish a re known to be pretty efficiant predators. A cucumber is a detritus/bacteriua eater.. it will be fine in a refugium.. I wouldnt add any starfish or hermits..

Rod Buehler

I've been wanting to do exactly this with miniature seahorses, so I am curious what you all think of the idea.

My biggest problem so far is figuring out how to connect it to the tank in an attractive way, so We can still see the refugium.

I'm curious how you intended to keep the sea horses in the refugium, where they won't be pulled into the bubble trap and eventually into the pump? Would you be relying on their ability to hold on tight with their tails?

And I'm just wondering outloud, but would the sea horses be able to handle the reef water.... since it is 'dirtier' for soft corals, and 'cleaner' for hard ones?

If you can put your refugium next to your tank, it should be displayable. I have mine below my tank, and I think it looks pretty good. http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/sump.html

What about a baby Horse shoe crab?

Nope Rod Buehler