Sump or reactor?

Longnose Hawkfish · Feb 3, 2014

Hello everyone, I was wondering if I should get a bigger sump and refugium or spend the extra money on a bio pellet reactor? The tanks 60 gallons. It's either 75$ towards the sump for upgrades, or the reactor. Any help is appreciated.

Longnose Hawkfish · Feb 3, 2014

Also if I skip out on reactor I get a refugium.

EricB · Feb 3, 2014

How big is your sump now and what's wrong with it?

Daniel@R2R · Feb 3, 2014

I would do a refugium before doing a biopellet reactor...just my opinion. Also, have you looked at vodka/vinegar dosing as an alternative to the reactor? It's a less expensive alternative that basically does the same thing.

KoleTang · Feb 3, 2014

Do you have a nutrient problem? Then get a reactor.

If you don't have a nutrient problem and want to have more room in your sump, upgrade your sump.

Reefing Madness · Feb 3, 2014

Thats what you want a sump for, so you can run macro algae in it, and if not macro, then get a Algae Turf Scrubber in there. And if not that stuff, then vodka dose.

Longnose Hawkfish · Feb 3, 2014

It's for a new tank and wasn't sure what I should do.

Longnose Hawkfish · Feb 3, 2014

Sorry forget to specify it was for a new tank. Oops!!

Daniel@R2R · Feb 3, 2014

If for a new tank, then DEFINITELY go larger sump.

Longnose Hawkfish · Feb 3, 2014

Ok I think I will go with a 40 gallon sump. Are GFO and carbon reactors good to run?

Reefing Madness · Feb 4, 2014

Instead of running those 2 reactors, set up a Algae Turf Scrubber, this will work for both of those. Make it a large one, and you shouldn't have any water quality issues.

MBG75 · Feb 4, 2014

I feel it really depends on the size of a fuge you can fit. If the fuge is gonna be small. Then you might be better off with biopellets.
However, there is alot of research you need to do to run pellets.

Longnose Hawkfish · Feb 4, 2014

The fuge will be 20 gallons, and so I would be better of with the algae turf than both reactors?

Longnose Hawkfish · Feb 4, 2014

What do algae turf scrubbers do, how do they work, and how do I set one up? Thanks!

Reefing Madness · Feb 4, 2014

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/eq...lgae-your-aquarium-hopefully-permanently.html

Longnose Hawkfish · Feb 4, 2014

Thank you for the link, I'm a little confused on the materials needed. Also could I put this I'm my refugium? Do this and the refugium do the same thing?

Bad Company · Feb 4, 2014

Be aware that in a few tests, a waterfall type algae scrubber was proven to be much more efective at eliminating phosphates and nitrates than an upflow algae scrubber. I have a waterfall type (DIY) and my nitrates are undetectable with the API kit. I do a 5% waterchange or so once a month as a byproduct of siphoning stuf out of my sump. I am new to saltwater, and am astounded with how little maintenance I have using an algae scrubber.

Longnose Hawkfish · Feb 4, 2014

So how would I make it into a waterfall style? And what did you use as te sheet that grows algae? Thanks!

Bad Company · Feb 5, 2014

If you look at the bottom pic, you'll see that the water in the drain flows down a sheet of number 7 hobby canvas. It is roughed up with a hole saw, and you can buy it at hobby lobby for a few dollars. The fact that the water flow down the screen very fast aids to nutrient uptake by the algae, make the distance that the light penetrates very small as well. Google "waterfall algae turf scrubber". There are a few sites that give good sizing instructions.