Reactors or refugium or both?

[Chris Van Daele]

looking to set something up to help control nitrates and phosphates in my tank. From what I’ve read both reactors and refugiums are effective solutions. I’m just wondering which would be more effective? Any pros/cons to either of them?

 

[EmdeReef]

Depends on the levels of both. A refugium will be generally effective at reducing nitrates and a bit less phosphates. My preference is always to start with a fuge and then correct anything else with reactors or dosing etc - mostly because I’m lazy and running a fuge is much easier and more forgiving than any reactor.

 

[Chris Van Daele]

Good to know, for the refugium what would be best? From what I understand chaeto with a grow light is pretty effective......I don’t have a ton of room in my sump

 

[EmdeReef]

Good to know, for the refugium what would be best? From what I understand chaeto with a grow light is pretty effective......I don’t have a ton of room in my sump

Cheato is great but can be finicky to grow and sometimes will require dosing iron etc. Ulva is another option that will generally grow faster than cheato and is less discriminating about nutrients etc. I usually run both.