Refugium & protein skimmer?

Dawn II · 04/18/2006, 04:46 AM

Someone in my area is going to buy a small refuge for me- it will be 23x12x15 inches deep. That is the max size that will fit- I figured better a small fuge that none at all. Would I still use a protein skimmer, also do you need less skimming with a fuge?

afishyonados · 04/18/2006, 07:17 AM

Still use the protein skimmer. The refugium will have the ability to export nutrients (when properly maintained), but will not be able to compete with the skimmer in regards to dissolved oxygen. Even if the skimmer is not pulling skimmate, it is still improving the water quality.

old salty · 04/18/2006, 04:48 PM

I use both. I think the fuge does such a good job that the skimmer really doesn't have to work hard. Also, the fuge allows pods and such to live in an area with no predators.

rustybucket145 · 04/18/2006, 04:58 PM

run both

M. Python · 04/18/2006, 06:05 PM

5 years without a skimmer just a refugium no problems. Lps, sps, leathers, clams and sponges.

ItÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s all a matter of preference, I like not having to maintain a skimmer or run my electric any higher with an extra pump that is wasted.

Salty Brother · 04/18/2006, 06:31 PM

If your looking for a protein skimmer, go to www.drsfosterandsmith.com and look at the coralife super skimmer 125, it is only $115, I am just about to order one, by the way, I also have a fuge with skimmer.

04/18/2006, 04:46 AM	#1
Dawn II Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Cape Coral, FL, Posts: 606	Refugium & protein skimmer? Someone in my area is going to buy a small refuge for me- it will be 23x12x15 inches deep. That is the max size that will fit- I figured better a small fuge that none at all. Would I still use a protein skimmer, also do you need less skimming with a fuge?

04/18/2006, 04:48 PM	#3
old salty Genius Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: The Island of Misfit Toys Posts: 3,131	I use both. I think the fuge does such a good job that the skimmer really doesn't have to work hard. Also, the fuge allows pods and such to live in an area with no predators. __________________ "The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers." Thomas Jefferson Current Tank Info: Out of the marine aquarium hobby

04/18/2006, 04:58 PM	#4
rustybucket145 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: valdosta, ga Posts: 3,707	run both __________________ 400gals of various tanks in the same system. Current Tank Info: 2 175w MH, 2 VH0 Actinics, Lots of Live Rock, tons of copepods, a Fat Mandarin Goby, Niger Trigger, Yellow Tang, Falco Hawkfish, Bi-Color Pseudo, numerous soft, SPS and LPS Corals

04/18/2006, 07:17 AM	#2
afishyonados Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Sumter, SC Posts: 459	Still use the protein skimmer. The refugium will have the ability to export nutrients (when properly maintained), but will not be able to compete with the skimmer in regards to dissolved oxygen. Even if the skimmer is not pulling skimmate, it is still improving the water quality.

04/18/2006, 06:05 PM	#5
M. Python Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Pa. Posts: 200	5 years without a skimmer just a refugium no problems. Lps, sps, leathers, clams and sponges. ItÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s all a matter of preference, I like not having to maintain a skimmer or run my electric any higher with an extra pump that is wasted.

04/18/2006, 06:31 PM	#6
Salty Brother Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 1,119	If your looking for a protein skimmer, go to www.drsfosterandsmith.com and look at the coralife super skimmer 125, it is only $115, I am just about to order one, by the way, I also have a fuge with skimmer.