Fuge vs Skimmer

[Douglas Wattier]

So right now I have a 3 compartment sump. I use the middle for a refugium with a really small air stone skimmer and the last section is my media reactor with the return pump. Im thinking i need a better skimmer, so is having a refugium better than having a great skimmer? I bought my whole system second hand and am looking to upgrade what i need to. I might also add a chaeto reactor down the road.

 

[Animal Chin]

Personally I'd go skimmer over fuge. Both have positive aspects but a big skimmer really really help remove waste.

 

[redfishbluefish]

If you don't have room in your sump for a larger skimmer, but have the room in your stand, you might wish to consider and HOB skimmer, hung off the sump.

 

[BlueCursor]

I think a skimmer is more important than a fuge. But both are really important in my setup.

 

[tdileo]

Nutrient export: Skimmer > fuge, in just about every scenario. However a fuge has extra benefits. I would personally go with a bigger skimmer and the biggest fuge you can fit. My refugium ends up only being around 3 gallons in the 10g sump but it is much better than no refugium

 

[Lloyd Williams]

I'm wondering the same! Watching this one

 

[Xclusive Reef]

your other option is to run chaeto in a reactor and wrap a light around the reactor. it has worked for a lot of people.