Refuguims

I have a question on refugiums. Are they used to replace a skimmer? I know they are used for nutrient export But are they good for also removing organic waste that skimmers remove. Can you have them lit for 24/7 or do they require a dark period for the plants to function properly. Given the choice of a refugium or a skimmer which would you go with?
Thanks in advance for the info.

 

i would have a problem answering the refugium part because i dont have one. i use a skimmer but most people that use refugiums say they wouldnt go without one plus a lot of people actually use both. the skimmer takes undisolved organics out of the water where the refugium with plants, sand, critters takes nitrates out of the water, and makes a safe haven for the critters to multiply which makes live fish food. but me myself have not had any problems but i try to keep up on water changes at least once a week and i think that has a lot to do with success also. i do maby 10% a week.im kinda happy with the skimmer i went almost  a year without that lol   and still had no problems with regular water changes

 

Everything I know about refugiums is posted here:

http://www.3reef.com/refugiums.htm



I would still use the skimmer at least occasionally. Helps keep the pH up I think and oxygen levels high amoung other things.

Some don't though and say it's ok. Although I have noted a few going this route that have algae problems: cyano, etc..

I lean towards keeping it.

 

Refugiums or Protein Skimmers! What a debate!

I have been trying to decide myself which was better. I looked at many tanks and decided that I would go with a fuge instead of a protein skimmer. I had the fuge up and running for a couple of weeks and did not see much in the sand bed of the fuge! Altho, my macro was growing like crazy under the 24 hr lighting!

Then I figured, in my nano. I only have a yellow watchman and a percula clown so why in the world do I need a fuge. I think that because fuges are on the up-roar everyone is using them. I really don't have enough fish in my tank to pull out all of the bristle worms, copepods or amphipods. So, I put a deep sand bed and caulerpa in between two baffles in my fuge and put my skimmer in my sump area!

I will let everyone know how the tank does with them both on it!

 

You have a great point about bioload Macnreef. I don't think a lot of people think about that sometimes. Glad to hear you added a skimmer (I am so biased! ;D ) I don't think it will hurt anyway.

 

yeah, I don't see how the skimmer can hurt! I think the way it is set-up NOW, I should start seeing some good results. Only time will tell!

 

Heck I think your tank looks good already!

 

Well THANX! [smiley=2thumbsup.gif]

I just want to have some more corals in the tank, like clams and LPS.

I just need to be patient and see how everything acts!

 

Hey all,

As you can see from my signature, I run a 20g Sump/Refugium + Turbofloater 1000.  I feel that they are both necessary on my system because I carry a very heavy bio-load.  I love fish and corals and I like my tank full of both!  In order to do that, I need the filtration and oxygenation that the protien skimmer provides, plus I get the same thing from my refugium.  To me, it is a win/win situation.

Edit: I just thought I'd add a picture of my sump/refugium to see if anyone wants to talk about it. ;D

 

sorry but I dont know