What is a Refugium?

What is a Refugium?

Algae

A refugium is essentially a safe, separate space within a marine or freshwater aquarium system that allows beneficial organisms, plants, or macroalgae to thrive without being disturbed by fish or other tank inhabitants.

Seaweeds | Peacock’s Tail Seaweed

Seaweeds | Peacock’s Tail Seaweed

Algae

This species thrives in well‑lit, shallow waters, often in rockpools or the shallow infralittoral zone. In the UK, it’s found mainly along the south coast of England and Wales, where the water is warm enough to support it.

Seaweeds | Spaghetti Seaweed (Chaetomorpha linum)

Seaweeds | Spaghetti Seaweed (Chaetomorpha linum)

Algae

Chaetomorpha linum, often affectionately dubbed “spaghetti seaweed,” is a powerhouse macroalgae revered in both natural ecosystems and reef aquariums. Find out more about it here!

Seaweeds | Gutweed (Ulva intestinalis)

Seaweeds | Gutweed (Ulva intestinalis)

Algae

Gutweed, Ulva intestinalis is an aptly named Seaweed that can be found in sheltered estuaries, brackish lagoons and upper shore rock pools. The fronds of gutweed comprise of membranous tubes that expand and inflate with exposure to oxygen and sunlight.

Seaweeds | Sea Lettuce (Ulva lactuca)

Seaweeds | Sea Lettuce (Ulva lactuca)

Algae

Rich in vitamin C and iron, and part of the UK's rich tradition of coastal foraging. If you're heading to the beach and spot some vibrant green seaweed clinging to rocks or floating in the shallows—chances are, you're looking at sea lettuce. 

Around our Shores | Seaweed

Around our Shores | Seaweed

Algae

Wherever you go around our shores in the UK, you're likely to come across many varieties of seaweed on the beach. Below we explore exactly what seaweed is and its role in the local ecosystem.