CPR HOB Refugium?

[SecurityGuy]

I'm currently running a 56g column tank with a Reef Octopus Bh 100F protein skimmer. The tank has been running for about 4 weeks and was cycled with live rock from Tampa Bay Salt. However now I am noticing a constant reading of Nitrates between 5-10 ppm.

So to balance this I was wondering if I could add a CPR Hang on back refugium to try and reduce the nitrates. It would have to be undersized than what is rated for my tank because the Protein skimmer takes up half of the space on the back. This is the product I was looking at purchasing.

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_viewi..._campaign=mdcsegooglebase2&utm_content=CR1721

Any thoughts on this guys? Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks alot.

 

[scram42]

Once I put the HOB 'fuge on my tank and the chaeto started growing, my nitrates virtually dissapeared. I added a DSB and a little live rock rubble as well and eventually had no need my skimmer. Now I'm not recommending that for you 'cause I only have a 30 gal. and my tank was about 6 yrs old at the time, but if you don't have room for a sump it's the next best thing.
Good luck. M.

 

[Zebodog]

I have a medium on my 65 gal and the chaeto grows well. I've also got some caulerpa racemosa in there, although not be choice, that grows ridiculously fast along with a 3" sand bed and some bits of rock rubble. I'm sure it does help to control nitrate and to some extent phosphate, but more than anything I find it a great source of pods and other live critters; I shake things around every week or so and watch the goodies flush through into the tank.

Of course, I wouldn't get too excited about 5-10ppm of Nitrate, especially at 4 weeks.

 

[SecurityGuy]

I appreciate the insight. This is my first Marine tank so I am soaking alot of things up right now. Bottom line is I guess it wouldn't hurt to add it right? Did you guys have any issues with bubbles being dispensed in the outlet tube? My skimmer already does this now and I would hate to have twice as many - But I suppose worse things could happen.

The tank will eventually house soft coral, so the only reason I was considering this product is because I hear nitrates are horrible for coral?

 

[SecurityGuy]

I was also curious if there are any other companies out there who sell these HOB Refugiums? I just want to make sure I pick the right one, and compare different products.

Thanks again!