Let's look at everything that is included in this awesome refugium pack!
First, we'll discuss the Biomedia and Biobunker Towers. There are lots of options for refugium media. Some hobbyists use sand, others use plastic balls, and some use rocks. Our ceramic media is arguably the best variety in one kit. The biomedia we include in the kit is extremely porous, and because of that, it has a huge amount of surface area. When it comes to a refugium the more surface area you can fit in a small space, the better. Surface area offers a place for bacteria and copepods to live and reproduce. With more surface area, you will have more space for beneficial organisms. Our Biomedia comes in a few different shapes and sizes such as spheres, plates, gems, and more. The Ultimate Refugium Starter Pack includes refuge rings, refuge rocks and refuge reds (depending on the size purchased refuge reds may not be included). These types and variety is used because they are the most versatile, space efficient, and can be effective in pretty much any aquarium. This bio-media is a must have for all refugiums!
Because this pack is designed for both new and established aquariums, PNS ProBio is included. PNS ProBio contains a unique strain of purple non-sulfur bacteria (Rhodopseudomonas palustris) that plays a key role in maintaining water quality by breaking down organic waste, reducing detritus buildup, and supporting overall microbial diversity. While it’s not a nitrifying bacteria like those used for cycling, it complements the biological filtration in both new and mature systems. For newer tanks, it helps create a healthier microbial foundation. In established aquariums, it enhances long-term stability and resilience by supporting a balanced and robust microbiome. PNS ProBio is reef-safe and won’t harm corals or fish when dosed properly—and even in higher-than-recommended doses, it remains gentle and safe for your tank’s inhabitants.
A significant reason hobbyists want refugiums is to keep a steady copepod population, usually to feed a finicky fish such as a Mandarin Dragonet. Copepods also help keep your aquarium clean of detritus and waste. They increase the over biodiversity of your aquarium as well, which is often overlooked though very important. Copepods are incredible, so it makes sense why so many hobbyists want them in their aquarium. Refugiums offer a safe place for copepods to live and reproduce without getting wiped out by fish. The Ultimate Refugium Starter Pack includes Galaxy Pods from AlgaeBarn. Galaxy Pods includes a five-species mixture of tigriopus, tisbe, apocyclops, Oithona, and Euterpina copepods. The copepods are of all sizes and stages of life. Having five different species with varying sizes and ages ensures that your tank will be well seeded with copepods. It offers a high amount of biodiversity as well. Galaxy Pods are great for cultivating a stable supply of copepods within your refugium.
While most of the copepods will live in the AlgaeBarn bio-media, macroalgae serves as a great copepod habitat as well. That is a great reason to have macroalgae in your aquarium. However, the central reason is for nutrient export. Macroalgae is one of the best methods to remove nutrients from your aquarium. This method is natural and easy to do. Because of this, macroalgae is great at preventing nuisance algae growth or blooms in your aquarium. Algae needs nutrients to grow and live, so if you add another algae that will consume those nutrients, the nuisance algae won't be able to grow. It is like putting out a fire by burning the fuel with another fire that is much easier to control. Certain macroalgae can also be used to feel herbivores. The best for this is Sea Lettuce. However, the fastest growing macroalgae is Chaeto. As mentioned earlier, you will have the option between these two macroalga and two others. The other two are Red Ogo and PomPom Gracilaria.
The final thing that is included in this pack is OceanMagik phytoplankton. OceanMagik is a phytoplankton blend from AlgaeBarn that includes four unique species of phytoplankton. Like with the copepods, this will ensure that your aquarium is more biodiverse. Phytoplankton will also provide as food for your copepods. Like macroalgae, phytoplankton will help prevent algae growth by competing for nutrients. OceanMagik is also known to stabilizes Ph levels.
All of these products work together to create a successful and productive refugium in an easy and convenient way. It ensures that your refugium will work the best it can to extract nutrients, prevent algae growth, and maintain copepods and beneficial bacteria.
How do you use the Ultimate Refugium Starter Pack?
Step 1: Using RODI water, rinse the Biomedia until the water is clear. Then, add the media to the bunkers if you would like to, and then add that to your refugium. If you have any extras, you can put them elsewhere in your sump.
Step 2: Turn off your skimmer and add the correct dosage of PNS Probio. It is recommended that you add it to several high flow parts of your system (sump, display, etc.), especially if your aquarium is newer.
Step 3: In clean saltwater rinse and prune as necessary the macroalgae that came with your kit, then add it to the aquarium with the appropriate lighting in place.
Step 4: Turn off your pumps and skimmer and remove filtration media. Then, add all of the Galaxy pods to the aquarium. You can put all of them into the refugium, or you can add some to the display as well. If you want to store any copepods, keep the jar at room temperature with the lid off.
Step 5: Finally, begin dosing the OceanMagik phytoplankton at 5ml per gallon per day. This will ensure your copepods are fed and able to reproduce. Store the OceanMagik in the fridge, and don't forget to agitate gently each day you use it.
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