Fuge vs. Media Reactors?

^^^ You pretty much have it correct. I'm not advising against nutrient export... just that you need to understand what it is you are doing and what benefits each thing is giving you.

You most certainly want to stay ahead of nutrients. As your tank is new it will go through ups and downs. Providing a place for algae to grow will keep it from getting out of hand. Up take of phosphates is important so that it does not soak into your system.

The only thing I will add... ideally you do not want rock in your fuge. A DSB by itself needs to breath. It is alive with bacteria and microfauna. Putting rock on it chocks it out. Pods do not need rock for habitat. They live in sand and algae. So either put rock in, or if you want a DSB... then maximize your DSB and don't put any rock on it.

 

Thanks Powerman. I read the Calvo article after I posted about the rocks so I understand the concept better. I did add some sand today but I dont think it's deep enough. I've got another bag I plan to add tomorrow.

 

Just make it "oolitic" sand. Fine grain.

 

Yep it's Caribsea Aragamax sugar sized.

 

I run both a fuge and a reactor on my system. Running both is great!!!

 

Just starting out (like me), I would consider the fuge method first, and then upgrade if you find its needed. A ball of chaeto and some ulva are great (and very cheap) to start out with. They both require next to nothing past a light cycle. Plus like mentioned you can grow some free fish food depending on what your stocking.