Refugium or Skimmer...

kdc · Jul 30, 2018

on a IM 25g lagoon. Unfortunately, I don’t have room for both and hanging the light vertically with the Refugium section is just growing green slime. I am currently running a AquaMaxx HOB 1.5 and while it’s pulling crud, it isn’t pulling a ton of stuff right now. This is my first experience running a Skimmer so do I’m not sure what to expect.

Reeferdood · Jul 30, 2018

kdc said:
on a IM 25g lagoon. Unfortunately, I don’t have room for both and hanging the light vertically with the Refugium section is just growing green slime. I am currently running a AquaMaxx HOB 1.5 and while it’s pulling crud, it isn’t pulling a ton of stuff right now. This is my first experience running a Skimmer so do I’m not sure what to expect.

I am not sure I understand exactly what you are asking, can you explain a little better?

kdc · Jul 31, 2018

Reeferdood said:
I am not sure I understand exactly what you are asking, can you explain a little better?

Sorry, I didn’t realize how much I rambled on this one. I’m just wondering if you would recommend a Refugium or a Skimmer for a tank that is only 25g.

Greybeard · Jul 31, 2018

Refugeum, IMHO, need to be >15% of display capacity to function effectively. How big a ref can you have on that 25g tank? If it's not 4 gallons or more, you're probably better off with the skimmer.

Or... you might look into a macro algae reactor.

DesertReefT4r · Jul 31, 2018

On a tank that small I would just do water changes. No need for a skimmer or fuge. On larger tanks 40+ gallons I recommend both a fuge and a skimmer if there is room. If no room for botnph then a good skimmer. Under 40 gallons large weekly water changes with saltwater that matches the tankw alk, temp, sg and cal closely will be all the nutrient control you need. In some cases depending on live stock, trace element suppliment is also taken care of.

kdc · Jul 31, 2018

Greybeard said:
Refugeum, IMHO, need to be >15% of display capacity to function effectively. How big a ref can you have on that 25g tank? If it's not 4 gallons or more, you're probably better off with the skimmer.

Or... you might look into a macro algae reactor.

I looked at an algae reactor, but it won’t fit in the back part of my tank.