maybe a dumb question

[jaylensdad06]

if I was running a refugium. is there any benefit to running the brs dual gfo/carbón reactor? wouldnt the gfo remove what the cheato thrives on and removes? phosphates. is there a benefit to running an fuge and dual reactor? or should it be fuge n carbón reactor only?

 

[Ebone]

I run a fuge and GFO, fuge pulls nitrates GFO pulls any phosphates... cheato grows fine.... I don't use quite the recommended GFO load just enough to keep my phosphates where I want them

 

[jaylensdad06]

I thought using cheato was to pull the phosphates to a spécific place that's not the DT. and nitrates were filtered out by the live rock beneficial bacteria and the skimmer. or is it all tied together?

 

[oblio]

In general you need so much macro algae to remove everything that it kind of becomes silly. Think of it as a "package solution"

 

[Vorog]

maybe a dumb question

Mr. Saltwater tank had a great video explaining refugiums. How you should not put your expectations too high on them. A small section of you sump dedicated for a refugium isn't going to eat up all the nitrates and phosphates. But it will eat some, also it's a great place for your pods and microfauna to grow. I too have a refugium and gfo reactor. Basically you would need a large at least the size of your tank as a refugium to really out compete your tanks algae.


I think he described a small refugium as like putting a outboard motor on a cruise ship and wondering why you aren't going fast. Lol

 

[VanHeze]

I agree with the masses; refugium + reactor. Macroalgae is useful for nutrient export, as is a protein skimmer. The GFO reactor is far more efficient and compact, and will remove phosphates the fuge couldn't dream of tackling.

 

[jaylensdad06]

thanx for thé input....I actually made a remote refugium...something like 15 or so gallons. i know small fuges arent meant to pull everything out..I think im gonna go with the masses.

 

[ReefWhatYouSow]

In general you need so much macro algae to remove everything that it kind of becomes silly. Think of it as a "package solution"

+1 on this. I think I read somewhere that you would need a tank with macro algae similar size to your DT. Instead, use it for what it is, a refugium... A safe haven for various living organisms to flourish that may be depleted quickly if in the DT.