Chaeto in Remora pre-skimmer?

[jaydubh11]

I have a 20g nano and I would like to introduce some macroalgae. I do not have the room for a hang-on refugium so I was wondering if some Chaetomorpha algae could be placed in the pre-skimming box.

Is there any other beneficial macroalgae that would be a good at reducing nitrates, etc. without taking up too much room? With my take being only 20g, I don't want to take up any space with an in-tank refugium... so what are my options?

Thanks for your help!

 

[jaydubh11]

Any suggestions?

 

[graveyardworm]

IMO in such a small tank without enough space to grow out macros you would be better off to rely on water changes for nutrient reduction. Somewhere in the nano forum is a thread with plans to convert a hang on filter into a small fuge if you want to go that route. I would be concerned that macros in the preskimmer box could cause flow problems with the skimmer.

 

[jaydubh11]

I would be concerned that macros in the preskimmer box could cause flow problems with the skimmer.

I would place it in the the section for the return. The only issue would be that it wouldn't get a lot of light.

 

[jaydubh11]

Since I will have such a small bioload, would a Shaving Brush help reduce nitrates/phosphates any?

 

[graveyardworm]

Shaving brush may help with nitrates to some extent, but I believe shaving brush may require a somewhat deep sand bed, and for phosphate reduction I dont belive it would fare to well. I know in corals phosphate can reduce calcification and I believe it would probably affect a calcifying macro in the same way.

 

[Stomatopal]

You could consider something like this: http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=96662&hl=soap+dish .