nutrient reduction

[Reefermike]

i need a little advice. i currently have a reef ready 90 that ,well pest have taken over. i have been thinking about a downsize, perhaps a 60 cube or 40 breeder. i may keep the 90 though. but to the point, if i were to keep the 90 i want to replace the sump as there is not enough room for extra equipment. i built a sump out of glass ,at this stage its just a box. It is 24 x 15 x15. Some of the stuff i have laying around the garage that could be used is a cad light recirculating reactor, MR1 reactor , several of the BRS reactors , ReefOctopus classic 150 skimmer.
if you were going to start a sump over for any of the tanks i mentioned what besides water changes would you do biopellets, ATS Refugeium any combo really looking for was to keep the nutrients lower. will still have to develop a plan to attack the aiptasisa that has over ran the tank. any suggestions are a help.

 

[CodyRVA]

In regards to nutrient control; using RODI, not over feeding, and running a solid light schedule are key components. If you really want to push the envelope, introduce GFO and Pellets; a little goes a long way with these two. One of my systems is a 46 bow front with a canister - no sump/refugium. Utilizing a bio pellet reactor, mini BRS reactor with carbon/GFO mix, RODI, etc., I have no nutrient issues on a heavy feeding regiment. My point: a sump/refugium is not a direct result of nutrient reduction; how you use the space is. You may see negative signs from using pellets, always start with small amounts and gradually increase as needed.

 

[CastAway]

I guess if I had to put them in order, the skimmer is the most effective when it comes to nutrient removal, then a harvestable macro algae (I myself have no experience with harvested micro algae, i.e. ATS), then perhaps GFO in one of the reactors, then pellets after that. The use of pellets requires effective skimming as an integral part of the process - with the pellet reactor effluent typically routed straight into the skimmer.

We'll see what the experts say.....

 

[CodyRVA]

I guess if I had to put them in order, the skimmer is the most effective when it comes to nutrient removal, then a harvestable macro algae (I myself have no experience with harvested micro algae, i.e. ATS), then perhaps GFO in one of the reactors, then pellets after that. The use of pellets requires effective skimming as an integral part of the process - with the pellet reactor effluent typically routed straight into the skimmer.

We'll see what the experts say.....

+1 on the skimmer. Didn't mention this in my original post because the skimmer originally mentioned seems more than adequate for a 90 considering the issues at hand ( +1, a must have with pellets). From what i've researched, you've got to harvest a massive amount of macro algae for it to be an effective means of nutrient control. Seems to be more effective as a food source/pods.

 

[Reefermike]

this current tank is a result of a 40 breeder to a 135 acrylic cube to a 90 rock has been in use now for some 6 plus years. it has been a great experience until i got really busy with life. It was originally planned to use biopellets in the sump but the cad light reactor would not fit in the sump with the skimmer. That led me to build a new one a little wider then the RS100 essops sump. The one i have will have the baffles put in so they will accommodate what ever equipment is needed hense my seeking opinions. i to have heard a lot of negatives on the biopellets. This is why i thought i might explore the ATS or see if i could design a refigium into the sump. All that equipment has been in the garage for over a year still in boxes as well as a full apex. I have not been motivated to install the dang thing

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

when I research my dream tanks, and seeing some in person. The combination I have noticed most is deep sandbed, skimmer and lots of liverock in the sump. Some with and some without refugium.
the most notable a local one. Amazing sps. 2 tanks with the above combo and co2 reactor on one sump.