Protein skimmer or a refugium?

[Michael.atr]

I am new to the hobby and don't have much money for both a refugium and a protein skimmer. What is more important?

 

[GoVols]

I am new to the hobby and don't have much money for both a refugium and a protein skimmer. What is more important?

Welcome to Reef 2 Reef...

I'd go with plenty of live rock and a skimmer.
To me a skimmer is a must (fuge or not), unless you have a 30 gallon or smaller reef. Plus a skimmer adds aeration.

JMO... ;Wacky

 

[Crabs McJones]

Welcome to R2R!

What size is your refugium chamber and water volume? If it's less than 10% of your total system volume I would go with a skimmer for now but eventually I'd run both.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

They are just different methods to the same end.

My reccomendation would be to spend the money on a sump that will do both.
Then probably start with the Refugium. Chato is cheap.

 

[mahindra.dev]

Namaste and welcome to R2R!!!!

I recommend a skimmer as well. For a refugium volume plays a role. So if you have a good volume, then its fuge with a very good light. Else Skimmer it is.

 

[lapin]

With water changes you dont need either with a smaller tank. You will want both, because all new reefers like to mess with stuff.
Welcome

 

[PapaWhisky]

Michael,

First off, welcome to R2R! There are many great people here and a ton of wisdom to help you out. Now, a few thoughts on your question:

1) First decide what type of reef you want to have. Mixed, SPS Dominate, LPS and Soft? Do your research on this well! Once you have decided on what type of reef you want will help guide you to what type and size of aquarium to get. Some have a sump "built in" on the back, some have one separate in the cabinet, and many come without either. This will in turn help answer your question.
2) Also, in my experience, to do a refugium right you need good light. This will cost about the same as an appropriately sized skimmer, so the cost is a wash. And you will probably end up with both eventually anyway LOL! Also, purely from my own experience, I've had success starting out with a refugium first as this seems to help prevent the New Tank Uglies AKA algae blooms in new tanks.
3) IMO, if money is tight and you are new to the hobby I would start with an LPS and Softie tank. More forgiving and requires less equipment and less expensive lighting.

Have fun, take it slow (I know this is the hard part!), ask lots of questions, and plan out your build very carefully. Wishing you great success!

 

[Michael.atr]

Thanks for all the replies! I have the fluval evo 13.5. The reason I want either one is to remove excess nutrients. I've been having tons of trouble with hair algae.

 

[lapin]

Thanks for all the replies! I have the fluval evo 13.5. The reason I want either one is to remove excess nutrients. I've been having tons of trouble with hair algae.

I have both and have hair algae .....if that is a help ?

 

[Michael.atr]

Thanks for all the replies! I have the fluval evo 13.5. The reason I want either one is to remove excess nutrients. I've been having tons of trouble with hair algae.

Thanks so much that helps a lot.

 

[Michael.atr]

I have both and have hair algae .....if that is a help ?

How do you control it? Is yours over running your tank like mine?

 

[GoVols]

Thanks for all the replies! I have the fluval evo 13.5. The reason I want either one is to remove excess nutrients. I've been having tons of trouble with hair algae.

13.5 gallon

Water changes with RO/DI water should do the job.

Probably high phosphates or just the ugly stage.