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12/14/2019, 06:57 PM
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#1 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 19
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Refugium or skimmer
I don't really want the cost of a skimmer on my list for a 40 breeder but I do obviously want export nutrient. Could I get away with a 10 gallon refugium for a sump?
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12/14/2019, 07:14 PM
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#2 |
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Registered Seaweedist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Boulder, CO
Posts: 5,807
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Sure! Macro algae is a great export medium. Good idea!
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As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018 |
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12/14/2019, 08:28 PM
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#3 | |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 19
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Quote:
I've always been a fan of the cheaper natural method haha. A 10 gallon full of chaeto sounds like a good nutrient export/mandarin feeder! Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk |
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12/14/2019, 11:13 PM
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#4 |
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Registered Seaweedist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Boulder, CO
Posts: 5,807
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Agreed-I'm as cheap and natural as they come! To hedge your bets, I'd suggest more than one species of macro. Chaeto just doesn't work for everyone, so having alternatives gives you a better chance of success.
__________________
As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018 |
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12/14/2019, 11:20 PM
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#5 | |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 19
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Quote:
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12/14/2019, 11:34 PM
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#6 |
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Registered Seaweedist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Boulder, CO
Posts: 5,807
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I have no idea. That's why I suggested multiple species. Who knows which plant(s) will work best with your nutrient load and the light you choose. Live-plants.com sells variety packs. One plant may do well for you for a while, then another takes over as conditions change. Make sense?
__________________
As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018 |
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12/19/2019, 07:43 PM
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#7 |
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I'm the real joker
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: worcester ma
Posts: 187
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If it was me I would choose a skimmer if I had to choose between the two. But remember if your trying to be cheap on your reef your reef will most likely not do well. You can get decent skimmers at low costs and still be able to run a fuge. Skimmers remove organic material that your fuge will not take out. In turn yes that organic material will break down but you then will face tons of different unwanted algae that will out complete your little fuge. Depending on your bioload you want will determine the size of fuge you should have to successfully pull nutrients out fast. I have tried the no skimmer in the past and I always end up getting one not to long after. Again don’t try to cut corners for your reef. You will regret it later and probably either quit the hobby or wish you listened to me.
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12/20/2019, 12:39 PM
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#8 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 20,050
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You don't need a skimmer or fuge or sump on a 40G system to have success..
Those are ALL optional and do not guarantee you will be any better off.. Water changes alone are more than suitable of sustaining a tank that size. The added cost/complexity of a sump is simply not needed.
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