Does a refugium really control ph swing that much

[williamjhitchcock]

Thinking about getting rid of my refugium. The only reason I have it is to try to keep the PH up at night. Does anyone have any evidence that it keeps their PH up? In my small tank my PH is to inconsistent to give really give me a good answer. Thanks! -Hitch

 

[disc1]

I've never given much thought to my pH to be honest. I'm more interested in a stable alk. I use the refugium as a place to grow food for the fish and a place to grow macro for nutrient export. While it may have some effect on pH, I think that relying on it to do anything with pH is a fools game.

 

[Gold Stripe]

Depends on the size of the refugium in comparison to the size of the display and on what macros you are growing in the refugium. It can have a significant effect or none at all.

 

[jeff@zina.com]

Stability in pH only comes from using an alternate lighting schedule. Frankly, if your only reason for a refugium is daily pH swings, you really don't need one.

Jeff

 

[williamjhitchcock]

Thanks for the answers, the refugium is getting taken out today. I know its not exporting any nutriments since the cheato has only doubled in size over the year and half I had it. Thanks for the quick answers! - Hitch

 

[williamjhitchcock]

update. I removed refugium and could not be happier! It appears it had no effect on the PH stability at all. Glad to simplify my system.