Should I replace my skimmer with a refugium??

[Maximus]

Hey guys, I’m currently running an ATB 840 skimmer with a self cleaning head that is virtually maintenance free. I’ve always loved a refugium with all the different types of algae’s. Lately, I’ve been thinking about replacing my skimmer compartment with a refugium. I wish I had the room to incorporate a refugium into my sump but it’s ether one or the other. Would you guys give up a skimmer for a fuge??

 

[Gareth elliott]

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/diy-algae-reactor.301969/page-2

Another possibility to have both.

 

[Justfebreezeit]

Any reason other than boredom? Having trouble keeping nitrates and phosphates reasonable?

 

[Maximus]

Sorry no more algae reactors for me. I just prefer a nice, large mix of different types of algae’s without the fuss of a reactor. Been there done that lol.

 

[Maximus]

No problems with nitrates or phosphates, I just love seeing a large variety of macroalgae in my sump.

 

[Gareth elliott]

I would not because of the gas exchange offered by the skimmer. Others do run skimmer less, main reason i would not.

 

[Maximus]

That is the main reason for my hesitation, the gas exchange benefit of a skimmer.

 

[Justfebreezeit]

You could always convert to a refugium and drop an air stone in it to help negate the less aeration.

I run skimmerless in my 20 and have a upflow ATS and it provides similar aeration.

 

[Maximus]

Very good point on dropping an air stone. As a side benefit, I’m one of this weird guys who actually enjoys micro bubbles in the tank!

 

[BZOFIQ]

You could always convert to a refugium and drop an air stone in it to help negate the less aeration.

I run skimmerless in my 20 and have a upflow ATS and it provides similar aeration.

An airstone would not provide much aeration and it is popular misconception that airstones are used for aeration in the first place. In addition, I cannot even imagine the salt creep and the mess in near vicinity of the rising bubbles. Don't do it to yourself!

 

[KrisReef]

That is a pretty large skimmer. What critters are in your current display that the skimmer is picking up after?

 

[Maximus]

Just a bunch of acros, a few anemones and 8-9 fish.

 

[KrisReef]

That sounds like a large skimmer load, imo. I wouldn't risk the change, but keep us posted if you do. I have seen a few threads where folks shut off their skimmers and didn't have a problem,...

 

[richiero]

I think the skimmer and the refugium work great in tandem

 

[Bmasculine]

If you have room in your cabinet you use an external recirculating skimmer and have the Refugium in your skimmer compartment.

 

[Forsaken77]

An airstone would not provide much aeration and it is popular misconception that airstones are used for aeration in the first place. In addition, I cannot even imagine the salt creep and the mess in near vicinity of the rising bubbles. Don't do it to yourself!

I have a skimmer and an air stone in my sump. Haven't had a stitch of salt creep in 4 years from the air stone.

 

[Justfebreezeit]

An airstone would not provide much aeration and it is popular misconception that airstones are used for aeration in the first place. In addition, I cannot even imagine the salt creep and the mess in near vicinity of the rising bubbles. Don't do it to yourself!

What do airstones do then?

 

[jorahx]

Just a bunch of acros, a few anemones and 8-9 fish.

“A few anemones” made me laugh

 

[Velcro]

What do airstones do then?

At best provide some surface agitation. The gas exchange while the bubble is in the water is pretty minimal. I think it's better with wood air stones though

 

[BZOFIQ]

What do airstones do then?

Move the water from the bottom of the tank to the surface; its function really is that simple. The water at the surface is oxygenated ...and not from the bubbles coming from an airstone.