Fresh Water Refugium Set Up for a 500-600 gallon tank

[Reservoir Dog]

Let me start by saying I have no knowledge of any of this but i am willing to learn. I am building aprox a 500-600 gallon tank in my garage. I am a avid Flathead Fishermans and having large,healthy and lively baits are essential. This tank will hold bluegill, suckers and Goldfish. Goldfish will be the only fish that is held in the tank all year long. I am basically looking for someone to hold my hand and walk me through how to set up a freshwater Refugium but most importantly WHY you are doing that way. This is something i want to understand. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated and you can hang your hat on helping someone build the most bad ass bait tank around ha ha ha. Thanks all

 

[J. H.]

I would do aquaponics. Easier and cheaper to set up and run and you can get veggies.

 

[duanes]

I used 20 gallon tanks as refugiums for my freshwater systems.
I grew lots of plants, and gammarus and other freshwater shrimp in them.
The plants helped in nitrate control, and the shrimp ate the old and decaying leaves.

occasionally the shrimp would end up in the main tanks offering a snacks

 

[Reservoir Dog]

I am open to anything J.H. Explain how you would set it up and why.

 

[twentyleagues]

R Reservoir Dog what do you know about filtration in general? Do you know anything about mechanical filtration? do you plan on an mechanical filtration? How much space do you have to accommodate this set up? What are you using for your holding tank? and as for a refugium or an aquaponics they are almost the same you are growing plants to suck up nutrients from the waste of fish. The problem with aquaponics or refugiums is the light needed to grow the plants you need very high lighting.