Value in both refugium and algae turf scrubber?

Spar

New member
If I had both a refugium (chaeto) and algae turf scrubber, would that be feasible? Would the chaeto even grow?
 
I run both, and the chaeto grows fine. May mean that my scrubber is undersized, though I did use the feeding rule-of-thumb when sizing it.
 
Definitely in my opinion and experience. A multi pronged approach should yield not only better results, but also a failsafe to either method.

And yes, the cheato would and should still grow. But a lot will depend on each individual system. Though,a scrubber is extremely effective..
 
Thanks. Is there a 'best' diy thread for making a scrubber that people refer to? Or even better (for me) is there somewhere online that sells quality ones?

They seem pretty straight forward to build though...
 
ATS can or likely will outcompete Chaeto if large enough, a fuge will still be nice for cultivating beneficial microfauna even if the scrubber is taking all of the algal growth... Don't really see any downside to using both.

Santa-Monica.cc sells many different ATS... I had a smaller one from him a few years ago in my drilled Nanocube's sump and it was so-so, but by looking at his new pictures it looks like his methods/materials have improved.
 
The ATS will kill the fuge over time. It will be much more efficient at growing if it's sized right and lit on both sides...Cheato doesnt stand a chance. I built mine off the return line and have a gate valve to control the flow.
 
The ATS will kill the fuge over time. It will be much more efficient at growing if it's sized right and lit on both sides...Cheato doesnt stand a chance. I built mine off the return line and have a gate valve to control the flow.

I don't find that to be the case. My ATS is 'sized' based on the food input guidelines (actually somewhat oversized) and I have no problems growing macros. I do have to dose iron, though I found this advantageous prior to installing my most recent scrubber. Neither phosphates nor nitrates have proven to be limiting factors.
 
I toss chaeto weekly.

Im starting a turf scrubbet with the chaeto. The chaeto is maily for pod growth. As will algae...shaking the turf sheet alil in the sump will drop some pods in the water to DP and if it helps with parameters then even better
 

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