Refugium question

[martym]

Where would you rate the importance of a refugium? 10 being manditory and 1 being waste of time.
What is the size recommended for a 50g tank. I have a sump, but it is full of bubble king skimmer so the refugium would have to be beside it.
Thanks

[a4twenty]

for a reef tank i would rate it right up with the skimmer. it is great for exporting nutrients ( using macro algae ) as well as providing a place for critters to thrive and provide a natural food source for you tank. for size, as big as you can but a ~10G - 20G would be sufficient.

[Brent F]

Not at all mandatory so a 1
Not a waste of time (very beneficial) so a 10

If you want pods, a more stable pH, and have the space go for it.