Refugium or Auto Rollermat?

[jjsmith70]

I am setting up a 60 gallon cube softy/lps tank with a 36” trigger sump in the basement. Sump has three chambers. Second chamber will be skimmer. Third chamber will be return pump.

Am I better off using the first chamber for a refugium or an auto rollermat fleece for nutrient export?

Thanks

 

[Hitman]

Depends on if you plan on using macro algae or not. Some have great luck using macro algae like chaeto others struggle. If your going to use the Triton Method you’ll need the macro algae. I have zero experience with a algae scrubber so I can’t give you any pros or cons on them for comparison.

 

[miPapareef]

I’d recommend the fuge. In addition to nutrient export you get a place for pods.

Full disclosure, I never used the roller mats. Used to use sock but don’t any more. Just a big thick fuge.

 

[Guttersnipe]

Keep it simple. I have a trigger sump and my protein skimmer is in the first compartment then fuge and then return. I don’t use filter socks anymore. My tank has never been better.

 

[Reefcowboy]

A refugium will filter what you will need for a thriving system. Rollermat is easily replaced by same old filter socks and only serve as mechanical filtration. Remember methods such as Triton completely remove socks and rely heavily on a refugium. Rolermats are a luxury being one doesnt have to clean socks, but their benefit is way more limited than of a fuge

 

[jjsmith70]

Thanks all. Valid points. Believe I will do refugium with macro algae fueled by either a Kessil H160 or H380.

 

[FLSharkvictim]

Does anybody know the max gallons you can run through a Rollermat?

 

[Bfactor84]

anywhere between 500 and 1000 GPH per unit. Klir, theiling and Clarisea have listed their max throughputs on the size of the roller mat you buy. check the vendor pages

 

[FLSharkvictim]

anywhere between 500 and 1000 GPH per unit. Klir, theiling and Clarisea have listed their max throughputs on the size of the roller mat you buy. check the vendor pages

My buddies have the Klir and they have had nothing but problems... My new tank that I am about to set up, I will be running 1 Vectra EcoTech Marine L1 for my two 1'' returns and for my Turbo Scrubber , and my reactors, I will be running an 1 Vectra M1.
So, none of the Roller mats or the Klir will filters would work for my configuration. Here is a pic of my sump that I am getting ready to order in the next few days with a matching 10-gallon ATO storage container.
My set up and plumbing will sort of look just like this example, see pic but mine will not have a refuge and I will be running a Turbo scrubber.

 

[Bfactor84]

I have only used Klir Di-4 version and it does a good job at removing large undissolved organic waste particles. The issue with Klir is that the compact nature of the device. The dry roll becomes wet over time due to water wicking and causes it to snag againts the housing.
When it comes to fine sand filtering ..... nothing beats fliter floss.