Sump Setup (Skimmer vs Refugium)

[LFCBVB]

Im realizing my sump just cannot fit both my skimmer and a refugium section. What are most people running these days? Ideally I want both but I just won this brand new sump in a raffle and dont feel like selling to get another 4 section sump.

I want to run whatever keeps my aquarium the most clean and healthy. Algae is incredibly unsightly to me.

Like to hear opinions.

 

[Peace River]

I’m not sure what your budget and space constraints are, but you may want to consider a turf scrubber or algae reactor (with or without using along side of a skimmer).

 

[Quietman]

I think you'll find there's more success stories here with only skimmer than only a refugium. However, that also depends on size of tank - pico/nano can be fine with just water changes. Also what's current tank setup - if you're only running an HOB or canister for example now then take your pick. If you really need pod population - you may also want to go with refugium. If you want to use carbon dosing or biopellets - then you'll need skimmer.

As in all things here...it depends. But in general, I'd recommend skimmer only over refugium only.

 

[LFCBVB]

I’m not sure what your budget and space constraints are, but you may want to consider a turf scrubber or algae reactor (with or without using along side of a skimmer).

I totally forgot about this! This sounds like a wonderful idea!

 

[LFCBVB]

I think you'll find there's more success stories here with only skimmer than only a refugium. However, that also depends on size of tank - pico/nano can be fine with just water changes. Also what's current tank setup - if you're only running an HOB or canister for example now then take your pick. If you really need pod population - you may also want to go with refugium. If you want to use carbon dosing or biopellets - then you'll need skimmer.

As in all things here...it depends. But in general, I'd recommend skimmer only over refugium only.

I think If Im going to run the skimmer standalone until I can incorporate an algae scrubber. Definitely my best best

 

[X-37B]

I run a filter sock and skimmer in my sumps.
I also have a carx in my 120's sump. Not a fan of fuges or reactors, but they do work for many.
I have no issues with bad algae. I do have some hair algae but my convict tang and lawnmower blenny keep it to levels that I have to look for it to find it.

 

[Rollman]

I run a skimmer, socks, and a fuge. I feed pretty heavy and read .03 phos, and 5 nitrates In my 180 mixed. Lots of diff algae in sump but non in display (as of today )

 

[LFCBVB]

I run a skimmer, socks, and a fuge. I feed pretty heavy and read .03 phos, and 5 nitrates In my 180 mixed. Lots of diff algae in sump but non in display (as of today )

Really wish I could fit that system in my setup. Sounds wonderful!

 

[LFCBVB]

I’m not sure what your budget and space constraints are, but you may want to consider a turf scrubber or algae reactor (with or without using along side of a skimmer).

Do you have an opinion on what is more effective? I already have Cheato and a few other Fug items.

 

[FishyDP]

+1 for an algae scrubber or chaeto reactor if space is a concern, and budget allows for it. Both grow macro algae in a smaller space than a typical refugium. This way you can keep the skimmer where it is, and add scrubber or reactor above the sump, if u have space..do you have pictures of your stand/sump? This may help others chime in with suggestions. A scrubber grows mainly hair/turf algae, which ime is hardier than chaeto, and based on research reduces no3/po4 more effiently. I just installed a cw-100 scrubber about a month, waiting to see results, and am running a skimmer as well, for now.

 

[Peace River]

Do you have an opinion on what is more effective? I already have Cheato and a few other Fug items.

I have the #reefoctopus light reactor (L-150) because it fits well into my sump (it can be used internally or externally), however without the space constraint I may have gone with the #IceCap algae scrubber (I will probably add this to another system in the future).

 

[LFCBVB]

+1 for an algae scrubber or chaeto reactor if space is a concern, and budget allows for it. Both grow macro algae in a smaller space than a typical refugium. This way you can keep the skimmer where it is, and add scrubber or reactor above the sump, if u have space..do you have pictures of your stand/sump? This may help others chime in with suggestions. A scrubber grows mainly hair/turf algae, which ime is hardier than chaeto, and based on research reduces no3/po4 more effiently. I just installed a scrubber about a month ago, waiting to see results, and am running a skimmer as well, for now.

I have two filter socks that run into the skimmer/Fug section. I have a Octo 110 skimmer that leaves a decent amount of space in section 2. The sump does not take up all the room under my tank, Its 30x20x11. The lower section my tank is roughly 46x 30 x 16