New Sump - Refugium or Not

[AmherstReef]

So I am building a new sump (40G) and relocating it to the basement. My current tank is doing well so i just figured I wouldn't change anything, current sump is 30G:

Skimmer >Return>Refugium

The fuge has chaeto and some live rock, the chaeto has ok growth but has slowed over the past year and the fuge has started to develop black looking algae.

I also run GA and GFO

So do I keep the refugium in the new tank or not. What else would I use the space for.

 

[blanden.adam]

I like refugiums, so I'd say yeah, but others might disagree.

 

[block head]

I like them. Periodic maintenance should take care of nuisance algae and detritus buildup. My nano is a pita. I don't bother anymore

 

[AmherstReef]

Yeah, I'll stick with my original plan, not sure why I was second guessing. I already siliconed the glass dividers anyway.

 

[Capt_Cully]

I'm not thoroughly convinced they do much unless they are sizable. My theories are purely anecdotal, do I'm sure the scientific community can prove me wrong. They are a neat facet of the system to observe. Personally, I've run with and without with no notable cost/benefit. I have a fairly aggressive maintenance regimen though. Might make the difference....might not.

How's that for vague?

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

vague #2

vague #2

my lit 'fuge has some kind of red algae growing in it.

the stuff outcompeted Chaeto and Caulerpa cuz it can proliferate in extreme low nutrient levels.

But I think my sump has more pods, stars, dusters etc. than my 'fuge.
So can a 'fuge be a beneficial addition? Yeah.. it could be.

But not necessarily.

A sump itself can act as a 'fuge of sorts. So can a huge coral in the display aquarium!

 

[AmherstReef]

I have a red jelly like algae that grows it the return area but not in the fuge.


So then if I dont use a third section for a fuge, do I just have two sections, skimmer and return.

 

[blanden.adam]

you could throw a calcium and biopellet reactor in the middle section, that would be kinda sweet

 

[Addiction2SPS]

I have always ran a fuge with live rock and chaeto (some kind of macro algae). Helps nutrients, pod population, and sometimes out compete other algae growing in your display. Oh, and Ph too.