CPR AquaFuge 2 User manual

The CPR AquaFugeTM 2 refugium is designed to allow you to culture live food items, macro algae,
damaged or newly propagated corals, and much more without the risk of losing these items to
predators or other conditions in the main tank. The AquaFugeTM 2 refugium simply hangs on the
tank and requires no supplemental plumbing. The specially designed baffles and outlet prevent
most substrates from being disturbed while allowing enough water flow to eliminate “dead” areas.
With the ability to culture a number of natural food items, the AquaFugeTM 2 will benefit the
carnivorous organisms in the main tank, and with the ability to grow various species of macro algae
in a controlled environment, the AquaFugeTM 2 can actually help to reduce the growth of nuisance
algae in the main tank.
To place your AquaFugeTM 2 into operation:
1. Open the packaging carefully and inspect the unit for damaged or missing parts. You should
have:
(1)Refugiumbody
(1) Tunze Comline 900 Powerhead
(1) Inlet assembly
If any items are damaged or missing, please contact your dealer immediately.
2. Do not use the interior brace to carry or move the refugium as this will weaken the structural
integrity of the unit. If your aquarium has an opening that is large enough for the powerhead to
slide in, then attach the powerhead to the refugium by inserting the outlet of the powerhead
into the opening of the inlet assembly. Some acrylic tanks have small openings, so you may have
to attach the powerhead to the refugium from inside the aquarium. Allow the AquaFugeTM 2 to
sit on the rim of the tank using the braces as support. The AquaFugeTM 2 can accommodate rim
sizes up to 2” wide. For narrower rims, tighten the black adjustment screws on the braces to
prevent the AquaFugeTM 2 from sliding forward or backward.
3. Ensure that the AquaFugeTM 2 is parallel to the back of the aquarium by using the adjustment
screws on the base of the refugium. Make sure that the powerhead is fully submerged in the
water.
4. Before placing the AquaFugeTM 2 into operation, it is recommended that you now add any
substrate that you plan to use to minimize clouding of the water. Once the unit is part way filled
you may want to unplug the powerhead for a short time to allow fine sediment to settle.
5. Make sure that the powerhead is completely submerged and plug in the powerhead.
6. The Tunze powerhead included with your AquaFugeTM 2 has an adjustable flow rate. Rotate the
blue impeller cover left or right to increase or decrease the flow to reach your desired flow rate.
7. The powerhead that feeds water to the refugium should be disassembled and cleaned at least
every 4 - 6 months to ensure optimal performance of the AquaFugeTM 2.
See following page for instructions.
AquaFuge 2 Hang-on Refugium

Setup Recommendations
Although it is difficult to classify the AquaFugeTM 2 as a traditional “filter”, its benefits to your tank
depend on how you set it up. The AquaFugeTM 2 has the potential of increasing biodiversity,
improving water quality, decreasing nuisance algae and providing greater stability for your
aquarium.
There are a number of ways to set up and use your AquaFugeTM 2 refugium. Here are just a few
possibilities:
1. With or without a live sand bed. A live sand bed can assist with denitrification and provides a
substrate for detritivores and other organisms. This is very beneficial to tanks that may lack live
sand.
2. Small pieces of live rock and/or rubble can provide a substrate for small corals, mushrooms, and
algae to grow on. Branch rock works especially well.
3. The addition of a full spectrum light to the AquaFugeTM 2 can provide excellent growing
conditions for photosynthetic invertebrates and various species of algae. The AquaFugeTM 2 has
been specifically designed to accept some of the smaller size LED lighting on top of the
refugium. Caulerpa and other decorative algae may be grown out of the reach of herbivorous
fish. By having an area where algae can thrive, the competition for nutrients can help to
reduce the growth of nuisance algae in the main tank.
4. The AquaFugeTM 2 now makes coral propagation for reef tank owners easier. Small fragments
can be placed into the relative safety of the AquaFugeTM 2, away from inquisitive animals and
strong water movement. Here they will have a place to heal from the cutting and can attach
to whatever substrate you offer them. The AquaFugeTM 2 is also an ideal area for loose
mushroom anemones and polyps to attach before being placed back into the main aquarium.
Adjustment
Screws
Support pin
Outlet Pump Maintenance & Cleaning
To ensure reliable and efficient operation of the Tunze powerhead
included with your AquaFugeTM 2 we recommend disassembling
and cleaning your pump at least every 4 to 6 months.
Powerhead Disassembly
1. Unplug and remove powerhead from your AquaFugeTM 2.
2. Remove impeller cover. Please note position of adjustment
notch above the “+ / -” on cover before removal.
3. Remove impeller assembly.
4. Remove rectangular cover with “TUNZE” logo below power
cord at back of powerhead.
Powerhead Cleaning
1. Disassemble powerhead
2. Place powerhead body and components in vinegar or dilute
muriatic acid. (1 gallon of water to 0.75 to 1 cup of acid)
3. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Longer is ok if there is a lot of calcium
deposits on the powerhead.
4. Use a small brush to gently any remaining deposits.
5. Rinse powerhead body and components in freshwater and re-
assemble using the reverse order of the instructions above.
* Make sure the adjustment notch above “+ / -” on the impeller
cover lines up with the fin on the powerhead body.
CPR Technical Support [phone] • M - F 9:00am—5:00pm PST
www.cprusa.com • [e-mail]