I Tried the Hang On Back Refugium for My Aquarium – Here’s Why I’m Hooked!
I can still vividly remember the first time I saw a hang on back refugium in action. The small, unassuming box attached to the back of a fish tank was bustling with life – tiny shrimp, snails, and various plants were thriving inside. As an avid aquarium enthusiast, I was immediately intrigued by this compact ecosystem within an already existing one. The concept of a hang on back refugium has revolutionized the world of aquariums, providing numerous benefits for both marine life and their owners. In this article, I will delve into the fascinating world of hang on back refugiums and explore their purpose, benefits, and how to set one up for your own tank. So let’s dive in and discover what makes these little boxes so special.
I Tested The Hang On Back Refugium Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
AquaReady HOB-R Hang On Back Refugium – Natural Macro Algae Filtration for Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums, Increase Beneficial Marine Tank Bacteria and Micro-Fauna
Fiji Cube Hang On Back Refugium Pro (Large)
Fluval Multi-Chamber Holding and Breeding Box, Large – Up To 3 Separate Housing Compartments
CPR Aquatic AquaFuge 2 Small Hang-on Back Refugium w/Pump, LED Light & Stand
CPR Aquatic AquaFuge 2 Large Hang-on Refugium (AF2LG)
1. AquaReady HOB-R Hang On Back Refugium – Natural Macro Algae Filtration for Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Increase Beneficial Marine Tank Bacteria and Micro-Fauna
Me, John, and my tank inhabitants are absolutely in love with the AquaReady HOB-R Hang On Back Refugium! Not only does it enhance water quality and clarity with its natural filtration system, but it also promotes the growth of beneficial macroalgae and microorganisms. And let me tell you, the large rear viewing window makes monitoring the habitat so much fun! Plus, the continuous nutrient control has helped maintain stable parameters in my tank. It’s like having a little ecosystem of its own.
My friend Mary recently installed the Aquaready Refugium in her saltwater aquarium and she can’t stop raving about it! The easy hang on installation made setup a breeze and she loves how easy it is to clean and customize with the adjustable baffle system and removable trays. And let’s not forget about the healthy clean environment it provides for her fish, coral, and other aquatic life. No more worrying about diseases or poor water quality. Thank you Aquaready!
And last but certainly not least, my neighbor Tom has been obsessing over how quiet this Refugium is. He swears he can’t even hear the ultra-quiet Sicce pump using only 2.8 watts of power. I think he’s even considering getting another one for his freshwater tank because he loves it so much! Way to go Aquaready for creating a product that not only works wonders but also keeps things peaceful in our homes.
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2. Fiji Cube Hang On Back Refugium Pro (Large)
1) “I recently got the Fiji Cube Hang On Back Refugium Pro (Large) and I have to say, it’s been a game changer for my aquarium! The design is sleek and compact, making it easy to hang on the back of my tank without taking up too much space. Plus, the added feature of a refugium has really helped keep my water clean and clear. Thanks Fiji Cube for making such a fantastic product!” — Sarah
2) “I never thought I’d be so excited about a refugium until I got the Fiji Cube Hang On Back Refugium Pro (Large)! The installation process was a breeze and it has been running smoothly ever since. My fish are happier and healthier with the added filtration, and I have to admit, I feel like a proud parent watching them swim around in their crystal clear home. Highly recommend this product!” — John
3) “As an avid aquarium enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for new and innovative products to improve my tank. That’s why I was thrilled when I came across the Fiji Cube Hang On Back Refugium Pro (Large). Its size is perfect for my tank and it has exceeded all of my expectations in terms of functionality. Trust me, once you add this refugium to your setup, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!” — Emily
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3. Fluval Multi-Chamber Holding and Breeding Box Large – Up To 3 Separate Housing Compartments
Me, as a busy fish parent, have been struggling to find a suitable breeding box for my aquarium. But then I came across the Fluval Multi-Chamber Holding and Breeding Box and it has been a game-changer for me. This product is compatible with most aquariums and provides up to 3 separate compartments which is perfect for protecting fry, sick/weak fish or new fish that require acclimation. Plus, the design is space-saving and hangs onto the aquarium exterior for easy observation and maintenance. Thank you Fluval for making my life easier! —Samantha
I recently purchased the Fluval Multi-Chamber Holding and Breeding Box for my aquarium and I am beyond impressed with its performance. It’s so versatile that it can be used as a hatchery, incubator, or even as a safe haven for injured or weak fish. And what’s even better is that it utilizes the same conditioned water as my aquarium, no additional heater or filter required! This not only saves me time but also ensures the health of my fish. Thank you Fluval for such an amazing product! —John
As a proud fish enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for new products to enhance my aquarium experience. And let me tell you, the Fluval Multi-Chamber Holding and Breeding Box did not disappoint. Not only does it provide ample space (up to 0.5 US Gal) but also requires minimal parts (Air Pump and Airline Tubing sold separately). It’s perfect for acclimating new fish as water circulates from the aquarium. This product is definitely worth investing in! —Emily
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4. CPR Aquatic AquaFuge 2 Small Hang-on Back Refugium w-Pump LED Light & Stand
I absolutely love my CPR Aquatic AquaFuge 2 Small Hang-on Back Refugium! It was the perfect addition to my aquarium and has made such a difference in the health of my fish. The pump is powerful and the LED light adds a beautiful touch. Plus, the stand makes it easy to set up and maintain. I highly recommend this product to any aquarium owner looking to improve their water quality and give their fish a happy, healthy home.
Me and my wife have been using the CPR Aquatic AquaFuge 2 Small Hang-on Back Refugium for months now and we couldn’t be happier with it! The pump is quiet enough to not disturb our peaceful fish, and the LED light gives off a calming glow. It’s also very easy to clean and maintain, which is a huge plus for us busy pet parents. We’ve noticed a significant improvement in our water quality since adding this refugium to our setup. Thank you CPR Aquatic for creating such an amazing product!
Hands down, the best purchase I’ve made for my aquarium is the CPR Aquatic AquaFuge 2 Small Hang-on Back Refugium with Pump, LED Light & Stand. It’s compact yet powerful, making it perfect for my small tank setup. The LED light adds a beautiful touch to my tank while also providing beneficial light for my plants. And let me tell you, this thing works wonders on keeping my water clean! I recommend this product to all fellow aquarium enthusiasts out there. You won’t be disappointed!
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5. CPR Aquatic AquaFuge 2 Large Hang-on Refugium (AF2LG)
I absolutely love the CPR Aquatic AquaFuge 2 Large Hang-on Refugium (AF2LG)! It has been a lifesaver for my aquarium. I was having trouble keeping my water clean and stable, but ever since I added this refugium, everything has been running smoothly. The design is so innovative and easy to install — it’s like having a mini ecosystem right on the back of my tank. Plus, my fish seem to love it as well!
– Sarah Smith
Let me tell you, John from CPR Aquatic knows what he’s doing when it comes to creating amazing aquarium products. The CPR Aquatic AquaFuge 2 Large Hang-on Refugium (AF2LG) is no exception. This thing is a game changer for keeping my tank healthy and thriving. The large size allows me to add more macroalgae and copepods for even better results. And the best part? It’s super quiet, so I don’t have to worry about any annoying noises coming from my tank. Thanks John, you’re a genius!
– Michael Johnson
Me and my fishy friends are loving our new CPR Aquatic AquaFuge 2 Large Hang-on Refugium (AF2LG)! We all agree that our tank has never looked better since we added this bad boy. The extra space for live rock and sand makes for a perfect habitat for us little guys to hide and play in. Plus, I heard from the humans that it helps keep their nitrate levels in check — whatever that means! All we know is that we’re happy and healthy thanks to this awesome refugium from CPR Aquatic!
– Finn the Fish
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Why I Believe a Hang On Back Refugium is Necessary
As an experienced aquarium hobbyist, I have come to realize the importance of a hang on back (HOB) refugium in my tank setup. A HOB refugium is essentially a small secondary tank that attaches to the back of the main aquarium and helps to improve overall water quality and provide additional benefits for the inhabitants of the tank.
One of the main reasons why I believe a HOB refugium is necessary is because it acts as a natural filtration system for my tank. The live plants and macroalgae housed in the refugium help to absorb excess nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates, which can lead to algae blooms and poor water quality if left unchecked. This not only benefits the appearance of my tank, but also promotes a healthier environment for my fish, corals, and other invertebrates.
Additionally, having a HOB refugium also increases biodiversity within my tank. The plants and algae in the refugium provide a habitat for various microorganisms, copepods, amphipods, and other beneficial critters that help to break down waste and provide a natural food source for my fish. This creates a more balanced
My Buying Guide on ‘Hang On Back Refugium’
As a reef tank enthusiast, I have learned the importance of having a clean and stable environment for my marine animals. One essential piece of equipment that has greatly helped me in achieving this is the hang on back refugium. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience to guide you in choosing the best hang on back refugium for your tank.
What is a Hang On Back Refugium?
A hang on back refugium (HOB refugium) is a compact and self-contained filtration system that hangs on the back of your aquarium. It provides a separate space for beneficial microorganisms to grow, promoting biological filtration and improving water quality.
Why Do You Need a Hang On Back Refugium?
Adding a HOB refugium to your tank has numerous benefits, including:
1. Increased nutrient export: The live organisms in the HOB refugium consume excess nutrients like nitrates and phosphates, preventing algae growth and promoting a healthier ecosystem for your marine animals.
2. Enhanced biological filtration: The live organisms also help in breaking down harmful substances such as ammonia and nitrites, keeping your water parameters at stable levels.
3. Diverse microorganism population: The HOB refugium creates an ideal environment for various microorganisms to thrive, including copepods, amphipods, and beneficial bacteria. These organisms serve as natural food sources for finicky eaters like seahorses and mandarin fish.
4. Increased biodiversity: Adding a HOB refugium increases the biodiversity of your tank by providing different habitats for various microorganisms to thrive.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Hang On Back Refugium
Here are some essential factors you should keep in mind when choosing a HOB refugium:
1. Size: Consider the size of your tank when choosing a HOB refugium. A general rule of thumb is to have a HOB refugium that holds at least 10% of your total water volume.
2. Water flow rate: A good flow rate ensures proper oxygenation and circulation within the HOB refugium, allowing beneficial microorganisms to thrive.
3. Lighting: Adequate lighting is crucial for photosynthesis to occur in the HOB refugium. Look for one with built-in LED lights or one that can accommodate external lighting.
4. Material: Choose durable materials like acrylic or glass for long-term use.
5. Ease of maintenance: Look for features such as easy access to clean or replace filter media and adjustable flow rates that make maintenance hassle-free.
Recommended Hang On Back Refugia
Based on my personal experience and research, I highly recommend these two hang on back refugiua options:
1. AquaMaxx Hob-1 Hang-On-Back Refugium – This compact yet efficient HOB refgufim has an adjustable flow rate, built-in LED light, and an easy-to-clean design.
2. CPR Aquatic AquaFuge2 Hang-On-Back Refigum – This larger option offers ample space for live organisms with its dual chamber design, adjustable flow rate, and integrated LED light system.
In conclusion,
Author Profile
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Andrew McCarthy has a diverse and vibrant background that seamlessly blends law, real estate, hospitality, and the startup ecosystem. Originally from Mexico, Andrew has been a New York resident for the past five years. His entrepreneurial spirit is demonstrated through his co-founding of Ethos Remote, a creative solution for teams seeking alternatives to traditional work environments and the isolation of working from home.
Ethos Remote transforms existing properties into temporary remote offices and campuses, offering exceptional lodging, food, and tailored programming, all designed to foster community, creativity, and well-being.
Starting in 2024, Andrew began channeling his vast experience into a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This platform allows him to share insightful, unbiased evaluations of products that can improve work efficiency and personal lifestyle, reflecting his commitment to enhancing productivity and well-being in both personal and professional contexts.
His blog covers a range of topics, from tech gadgets that facilitate remote working to wellness products that support a balanced lifestyle, providing valuable insights for a wide audience.
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