Algae reactor or protein skimmer

Raptor777 · Nov 12, 2019

I have a 75 gallon reef tank which is SPS dominant and only have the space to either add an algae reactor or a protein skimmer. If you had to choose one which one does everyone prefer? I am leaning towards the algae reactor Tunze MAR-3181 Macro Algae Reactor if anyone has any thoughts on it?

King Turkey · Nov 12, 2019

Protine skimmer. They are less of a pain to clean for me. Makes water super clear. But a algae scrubber on the other hand would be nice much better then a refugium reactor

thedog2012 · Nov 12, 2019

following, I'm debating on selling my skimmer to go scrubber.

ZLE-Reef · Nov 12, 2019

I actually like to run both. The fuge holds the macro algae keeps the nutrients low, the skimmer keeps the water crystal clear. I don’t have to worry about over feeding, I’m actually dosing NO3! Tank looks beautiful!

Raptor777 · Nov 12, 2019

tunze made their algae reactor super easy to harvest and clean

ReefGeezer · Nov 12, 2019

An algae reactor and a skimmer serve different purposes. One is not a direct replacement for the other. If I had to choose one it would be a skimmer.

Raptor777 · Nov 12, 2019

ReefGeezer said:
An algae reactor and a skimmer serve different purposes. One is not a direct replacement for the other. If I had to choose one it would be a skimmer.

as I stated above i am not looking to replace one wit the other. Limited space and need to choose one of them

X-37B · Nov 12, 2019

Nice reactor choice if you go that route.
However, I would go with a tunze 9410dc skimmer.
Easiest skimmer cup to clean! Turn it on and it skims without constant adjustment.
Its all I run on my 120 + a filter sock.

ReefGeezer · Nov 12, 2019

Raptor777 said:
as I stated above i am not looking to replace one wit the other. Limited space and need to choose one of them

Like I said... I'd choose the skimmer. It removes (some) DOC and the associated N&P before it becomes available to the system; allows for some carbon dosing should you decide to go that route; its efficiency can be controlled; it is easy to operate; and it is simple to maintain. It may also improve gas exchange in systems that are somehow limited.