Algae scrubbers in small tanks or Refugium?

[sidpost]

I am wondering about using an Algae Scrubber in small saltwater tanks. Are they overkill? Would users be better off with a Refugium? I am assuming they are mutually exclusive unless you have a really large tank with a high bio-load.

 

[doubleshot00]

I guess it depends on what outcome you desire. Imo anything smaller than a 40 gal breeder is small and if its an AIO. So a scrubber and a Refugium is a pain.

I hate having more equipment so a simple 1-5gal WC works for me and is cheap.

 

[shakacuz]

i have a refugium in my 40b. i don’t like taking space away from the display so an AIO would not have worked for me