Skimmer Or Refugium

[john rochon]

I'm at a crossroads, I like small fishloads to start off with and this will have more LPS and SOFTIES and a few SPS, so heres my dilema.
I could run a large skimmer [$2000] or attach a 180g refugium
I'm leaning towards using a large refugium not just for volume but the biodiversity that it would bring. what would you do?

 

[FishyBiz]

Skimmer.... hands down.

 

[Jar*Head]

Agree on protein skimmer or both

 

[tattooreef]

i have personally had luck with very low tech " natural" setups especially for a predominately softy tank a refugium will run it fin but both will run it better. Meaning a large fuge and a small skimmer, combined with carbon you should have great success

 

[Elliott]

is this for your 500g display? choosing between the two I'd go with a skimmer but why not both? you don't need that large of a refugium

 

[john rochon]

yeh its for the 500g, I just thought that since I'll be low bioload that I could benefit from a large refugium and no skimmer.

 

[Elliott]

well, I've seen a few setups like that here on rc, can't remember who at the moment, but I prefer to see the waste go down the drain

However, there are reefers with waaaaay more experience than I, hope they respond here.

 

[Kannin]

Skimmers remove things you can see and fuges remove things you can't see... plus it is a safe breeding place for life.