Algae scrubber + protein skimmer.

I currently have a Mega flow3 W/D with no balls, but some ceramic submerged. I also have a EV-120 skimmer, 150 lbs LR and 100 lbs LS in a 90 gal tank. Nitrates are usually 5 or below.

My question is that I have been reading about refugiums and scrubbers. Don't see how I can turn my sump into a fuge, but I could put a scrubber in and grow some turf on a screen.

Is it a good idea to run a skimmer with a scrubber??? I could run it pre-scrubber, but my 9.5 return pump would still probably kill critters. Any thoughts.

 

you should read this entire thread, http://www.3reef.com/forums/i-made/...eplaces-skimmer-refugium-everythin-51120.html.
everybody there makes good argument, let experience and facts guide your decissions, there is no 1 magical combo. It Requires the entire system, light, subtrate, container, and water. Quit simple in terms of materials but arrangment of these items in any given system can have wide ranging effects... Placement of live rock, circulation, and water polishing techniques all share an critical role in the overall success of the reef not to mention compatability issues amongst the inhabitants. In my estimation, it takes the first 2 years to tweak this arrangment to get all the chemistry to occur. I could go into a long drawn out story on the scrubber idea, suffice it to say its already been said...
But as for me, i will continue using an algea scrubber FOREVER! Proof is in the pudding.
If you dont get Anything else from this thread, get this, its not the "ALGEA" that is so miraculous but the "TYPE" of Algea that is discussed and favored..."TURF" not anything else. O and if you want ill tell you how to keep 400lbs of koi in a small outdoor pond in crystal clear drinkable water! no colors! employing the same technique with a differnt plant...
Best of luck in your endeavors!
MadCat12