Refugium vs. Media Reactor ?

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Refugium vs. Media Reactor


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Apheoxx

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I am looking to set up either a refugium or keep the media reactor that I have and run GFO/Carbon. I have a 5 inch by 10 inch space for a refugium to grow Chaeto. This would be on a 35 gallon DT with an 18 gallon sump. What do you guys think is better?
 
Refugium with chaeto is the way to go - natural, inexpensive, and easy to setup.
Do you think the 5x10 space would be good for my tank size? It would total a 1.5 gallon chamber. I also will be running a Aqua Vitro 125 skimmer in the chamber beforehand.
 
Do you think the 5x10 space would be good for my tank size? It would total a 1.5 gallon chamber. I also will be running a Aqua Vitro 125 skimmer in the chamber beforehand.
Here’s a picture of my 9” X 6” Refugium for my 90g.

429CEAAD-F713-4F9E-A74A-368324419CA6.jpeg
 
Do you think the 5x10 space would be good for my tank size? It would total a 1.5 gallon chamber. I also will be running a Aqua Vitro 125 skimmer in the chamber beforehand.
The trend is smaller refugium now because if set up properly they have shown to handle DT nutrients export effectively and efficiently. My fuge is not much bigger then your size and my DT is 65g.
 
They do 2 totally different things, well almost.....

Media reactor won't lower nitrates, and chaeto won't polish your water, but they both can drop phosphates(GFO in the reactor). I use both in my setup.

Reactor for carbon, and chaeto for nitrates and phosphates.
 
They do 2 totally different things, well almost.....

Media reactor won't lower nitrates, and chaeto won't polish your water, but they both can drop phosphates(GFO in the reactor). I use both in my setup.

Reactor for carbon, and chaeto for nitrates and phosphates.
I’m thinking of running a refugium without filter socks. In the filter sock slot, I will put a media cup with high capacity carbon.
 
Let me just say....

BRS did a very old video(one of their first when they started out) about the effectiveness of carbon in a reactor, versus just running it passively. It was for sure an eye opener, and will always run carbon in a reactor from the take away in that video.
 
I’m thinking of running a refugium without filter socks. In the filter sock slot, I will put a media cup with high capacity carbon.
I personally would not do this. The crashing of the water into the carbon, can and will grind it into dust. Carbon dust is a well known contributor to HLLE.
 
I personally would not do this. The crashing of the water into the carbon, can and will grind it into dust. Carbon dust is a well known contributor to HLLE.
I have a Waterbox 60.2 but the sump doesn’t have room for all three amenities
 
I personally would not do this. The crashing of the water into the carbon, can and will grind it into dust. Carbon dust is a well known contributor to HLLE.
Although reactors are much more efficient do you think fine carbon dust doesn't develop in there and escape into the water column also? I'm sure it does in microscopic amounts.
 

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