Questions about sump design, refugiums, chaeto reactors, filters

[Travis Wagner]

I'd like to get a new sump for my reefer 525 xl but need some advice. I currently have a triton-style sump, but I feel the refugium portion is too large for my needs and does not have a way to run filter socks. I'm looking at current sump designs and I would like to run a refugium but have the option of running filter socks or maybe even an automatic filter roller. These are my questions:

1- Chaeto reactors, do they eliminate the need for a refugium? I'd like to grow chaeto to reduce nutrients but also to provide a place to grow pods for my fish and coral.

2- Filter socks or automatic rollers, I like the idea of mechanical filtration, I get a lot of junk in my sump without filter socks at the moment, but do automatic filter rollers take too much from the water so that the chaeto will not grow sufficiently?

3- Protein skimmer, is it not necessary with an automatic filter roller and chaeto reactor/refugium? Just wondering if refugium, chaeto reactor, filter roller, protein skimmer are all redundant in some way.

Thank you for your input!

 

[Webslinger]

1 - Kind of, pods grow great in macro algae but not as good in a reactor.

2 - Occasion al filter socks

3 - I wouldn't run a tank without a skimmer. The aeration alone makes it worth it. Not redundant...The skimmer get's what your filter sock misses. Macro algae reduce algae that can grow in you DT, Phosphates, increases water quality, dissolved oxygen