Refugium needed in 180g FOWLR?

Looking for some advice on my new build. It's a 180 FOWLR, going to be using filter socks, skimmer and probably UV. Is a refugium really needed in a fish only tank? This whole setup has to fit in my stand and I'm running out of room. Decided on a new MRC "Bio" sump. I can easily plumb a refugium off one of my return pumps just wondering if anyone thinks its really needed? Look forward to hearing your ideas.

 

Are you going to be stocking any fish that diet on Pods? If so then I'd recommend the fuge. If not, then the sump housing your filter media will be good enough.

Oh, and dont forget to post pictures. ;D

 

Yes there will be fish that feed on pods. I've heard the return pump will chew most if them up though...pics will be there once I get going, I promise

 

Is it needed? No I don't think so but it would be cool to have macros to polish your water.

 

This is a myth.Your return pump will not harm microfauna. Good feedback so far.As it is not entirely necessary to have a refugium to produce pods it is helpfull depending on the species of fish you will be keeping.Fish that will only consume pods would make a refugium helpfull but most pod eating creatures will eat most fish foods available today with some exceptions.Pods can and will reproduce most anywhere in the system and as long as they are not being totally irradicated from the DT you should be fine without one.Nutrient export is another consideration but IMO a FOWLR is a perfect system for the use of Biopellets making Macro's redundant.As long as good maintenance habits are followed Chemical filtration should be adequate to sustain the system.You can always add a refugium if necessary later.

 

I've been interested about bio-pellets. Which I've heard is different from what comes with my MRC Bio-sump which uses Seachem Matrix. Going FOWLR I'd prefer to keep this system some what simple but as usual the more I research the more complicated things get.

 

completely agree with that, I run bio pellets on my FOWLR and it is doing great, just make sure they are set up properly, you want as little action in the chamber as possible, just a slight tumbling on the surface of the pellets. You need to have a low oxygen environment because it is anaerobic bacteria that you want in the reactor. Before I started my BP reactor my nitrates were at 5 ppm and now I estimate between 1-3 ppm using a API test kit, but the algae buildup on the tank sides are almost zero. I used to clean them once a week, now its about once a month