need help understanding

[Louis12]

I am thinking about adding a refugium in the bottom of my tank. what are the pro/cons on having a refugium or should i just stay with my truckle filter and canister filter. and for know i am only planning on FOWLR tank. and later within 6 to 7 months start into the coral hobby.

 

[saltyphish]

Are you using the bioballs with the trickle filter? Imo a refugium is definitely a good idea but not sure you should replace everything with it. I believe multiple methods of nutrient export is key to maintaining good quality water. While saying that I am not a fan of canister or trickle filters. The cannisters seem to build up nitrates quickly if not maintained often.

 

[Louis12]

yes i have bio balls

 

[saltyphish]

Many people on this hobby ditch the bioballs. They become nitrate factories. Imo a refugium would definitely serve you better than the bioballs and canister filter. Do you use a skimmer?

 

[Louis12]

yes i have a skimmer also but if the refugium will better serve a purpose in my tank than i am willing to change or upgrade it.

 

[saltyphish]

Imo the refugium would but that does not make me right. Is the set-up you currently have working for you? That is the key question. If you are able to maintain great water quality with what you have then I would not change a thing. Seems like whenever I chase after a new and improved method my expectations are not the end result.

 

[NanaReefer]

IMO adding a refugium to any tank is always a big plus! I couldn't imagine running my tank without one. Most natural form of filtration [emoji2]

 

[Louis12]

If i add the refugium i would just add it to the tank and keep the other filters. because I have allot of room to play with. so far I have a 90 gal tank, with around 100 pounds of live rock. a carbon reactor which have (GFO) a tom rp3 which have bio ball with a skimmer and auto top off system, two wave makers and a canister which contains media carbon and a polisher and led lights. the tank is always crystal clear even when i cycled the tank . I check the water quality and the ammonia is low and nitrate and nitrite low and ph 8.2.