A refugium is nothing more than a refuge from predation. Sessile inverts, macroalgae and other delicate species need a place to call their own and the advent of the refugium was just the ticket! Isolated, but connected to the main display tank, the refugium allows for common water filtration while at the same time keeping more aggressive fish from impacting it. Refugiums have been found to be an excellent platform for cultivating high quality food sources (amphipods, copepods and macroalgae) in a separate but still attached system.

There are a number of macroalga (seaweeds) species which consume Nitrates (NO3) and Phosphates (PO4) at an astonishing rate. Macroalgae also make great food for fish and invertebrates in your saltwater aquarium. These seaweeds are perfect for cultivation in a refugium.

Some aquarists believe a QT is a waste of time and money, thinking that fish can stave off disease, parasites or infections on their own. Most experienced aquarists would disagree, having seen entire aquarium systems wiped out by the introduction of a new critter which brought a disease with it. You can decide for yourself if a QT is worth it.

More: Cheap, Easy DIY Quarantine Tanks. QT's don't need to be fancy or cost a lot of money, they just need to work.

More: DIY Aquariums are terrific Quarantine Tanks. Inexpensive, easy to build and they can be designed to any size you want.

Are air stone bubbles a sufficient source of oxygen? Just how efficient are those little bubbles that come out of air stones, or diffusers? Many aquarists believe they play an important role in an aquarium when it comes to oxygenation and aeration of the water, and that this air source is adequate. Not always so! Low DO (Dissolved Oxygen) levels in your tank water can cause a myriad of subtle problems. Fortunately, it isn't hard to increase your DO with little to no money.

More: Top Air Pump Picks Compare prices on aquarium air pumps your Guides consider to be some of the best choices on the market.

More: How To Use Powerheads for Water Circulation Increase the dissolved Oxygen in your aquarium with the use of a powerhead.

Imagine hiring a service for just a few dollars that not only cleans your tank 24/7, but also helps to keep your nitrate and phosphate levels in check. Sound too good to be true? It's not. Reef Safe Hermit Crabs do all that and more. If you want to keep your aquarium glass and Live Rock free of algae, a few of the Reef Safe Rock & Glass Cleaners will get the job done for you.

More: Sand Sifting Gobies are another great investment for your tank. Sand Sifting Gobies plow through the tank substrate, sifting/straining algae, detritus and uneaten food from the sand. This not only removes unwanted nitrate producing substances, it also stirs and aerates the sand (very important for Deep Sand Beds), releasing toxic gases.