Rufugiumn vs Sulphur denitrator

[tony varrell]

I am building a new 300 gallon show tank and wonder what are the benefits and disadvantages of a refugium vs a sulphur denitrator to help control nitrates? If I choose Rufugium does it mean I need a minimum 30 gallon??

 

[Agu]

And what's going to be in the show tank?

If it's primarily a coral tank a refugium gets my vote but 30 gallons is a minimum in my opinion.

If it's primarily a fish display with large fish the sulfer denitrator would be a better choice.

 

[oceancowboy]

Nothing stops you from doing both. I did and it seems to be working ok. The refugium helped some, but with a FOWLR the nitrates were staying too high without significant water changes. Both (for the last two months) has brought the nitrates down dramatically.

 

[LNell]

I think the main advantage to the denitrator is that it is more compact. The refugium gives your tank a food source with pod production, however. I would agree with Agu in that if you have a bunch of large fish, you should either do both or just the denitrator.

 

[snorvich]

I totally agree with Agu if you have a FOWLR tank. I have reefs and run a refugium and RDSB.

 

[wld1783]

Refug only helps.

Bill

Also as far as a refug goes size matters. The bigger the better.

 

[undy]

id go with a ats or the denitrator, eather will out preform the refug

 

[biecacka]

what is a sulphur denitrator? i have a 220 reef with tank and was thinking of using a "fuge" so any help would be awesome

 

[agsansoo]

Re: Rufugiumn vs Sulphur denitrator

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12409484#post12409484 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tony varrell
I am building a new 300 gallon show tank and wonder what are the benefits and disadvantages of a refugium vs a sulphur denitrator to help control nitrates? If I choose Rufugium does it mean I need a minimum 30 gallon??

Refuge does very little for nitrates. IMO. Nitrates can be caused by many reasons.
Low flow.
Overfeeding.
Overstocking?
Rock work is too packed and collects uneaten food and waste.
Not enough water changes.
Water source.

Do any of these apply?

 

[JLopez]

yes. all of them. although i have to disagree that a refuge does little for nitrates. i have alot of chaeto grown in mine ann i have consistent phosphate levels at 0 and nitrates below 5.

 

[JLopez]

Tony a 30 gal refuge would be seriously undershooting for a 300 gal tank. the more chaeto the better. and u should use miracle mud for the substrate in the refuge.

 

[Rouselb]

I had a 30 gal fuge on my 180 SPS tank, using MM and Cheato, i switched it out with a 75 gal w/ oolite and cheato, and phos/niitrates are zero. If you have the space, go with the largest fuge you can.

 

[kmckay]

The fuge would have to be VERY large to equal a sulfur reactor in nitrate reducing capacity. The fuge is much more interesting to look at though.