Tank Filtration

newbreefr · Feb 25, 2021

currently in the making of a 40b with 20L sump. Will be keeping softies and lps and would like a decent amount of fish. Should I run a skimmer or refugium or both? What makes one better than the other? If I use both then I’d have 5 gallons for the refugium

threebuoys · Feb 25, 2021

They serve two different but related purposes. The skimmer will remove dissolved organics that made it pass the filter socks and before they become nitrates (hopefully) while the refugium with macro algae will export nitrates in the water column (when you prune the algae. So having both is nice but if one or the other, up to you.

Jekyl · Feb 25, 2021

Skimmer also helps with gas transfer and PH.

Ippyroy · Feb 25, 2021

A fuge needs to large to help with nutrient export. It will help with PH and is a great place for a pod population to grow. A skimmer if sized correctly will do similar things. For your size tank I would recommend an ATS and a skimmer. I would make a DIY one because they are insanely cheap and easy to make yourself compared to buying one. I would then get an HOB fuge for the pods.

newbreefr · Feb 25, 2021

Ippyroy said:
A fuge needs to large to help with nutrient export. It will help with PH and is a great place for a pod population to grow. A skimmer if sized correctly will do similar things. For your size tank I would recommend an ATS and a skimmer. I would make a DIY one because they are insanely cheap and easy to make yourself compared to buying one. I would then get an HOB fuge for the pods.

Would you recommend a fuge over a skimmer?
Sorry this is my first saltwater tank and not 100% sure on this subject

Jekyl · Feb 25, 2021

Both is best. You already have the sump so a fuge is no issue. Just get a light and put some chaeto in there.

Ippyroy · Feb 25, 2021

newbreefr said:
Would you recommend a fuge over a skimmer?
Sorry this is my first saltwater tank and not 100% sure on this subject

Starting out, a skimmer is better. Most macros won't grow until you have nutrients available. Most fuges won't succeed for a few months. I run a fuge and love it. I will be setting up an ATS soon though. They do a better job of nutrient export.