[xrobbx03]

Is there a need to add a refugium to a 38 gallon tank? I'm looking for the best possible way to put all my equipment into one place not in my main tank. Is that what i would use a refugium for or is that just for macro algea. If it is what i can i do to hide all my equipment.

[Reefland]

A refugium is typically a place for additional natural filtration and a safe haven for natural food populations to sustain. A sump is more often used as the place for the equipment to be added.

[BubbaWPB]

Equipment usually goes in a sump (an "overflow" tank). The refugium (for growing algae and for keeping less aggressive animals such as sea horses) is not "needed." There are advantages to having one, but you can get by without. You can set up a tank without a sump, too, so it's not absolutely "needed" - you'll just have LOTS of equipment hanging off the sides of your tank if you don't have a sump. Most people (but not all) that I know of with saltwater tanks use a sump.

[xrobbx03]

ok well i have 10 gallon tank that i would use to build my sump. Any idea on how to make one would be appreciated.

[Reefland]

Let me see if I can dig up a couple of threads here for you that give some details. The principle is failr straight forward though.
Sump baffle design?
Sump design help? TOTW 10-21-05
DIY sump & refugium

In the mean time, you should begin your search for a good quality external overflow. Lifereef and CPR come to mind.