I also think they are great for the hobby in the exact situation you are describing. I was not saying they were not beneficial or useful. I was just saying that there is a propensity for people to go for the latest and "greatest" without actual need. Hence the yearly release of new I-Phones that people with the last generation must have because somehow it is that much better than their previous model.I feel the algae reactors are great for the hobby since its allowing us to go back to natural nutrient export. my tank was build 27" wide just so I could fit a 24" sump inside the stand and accommodate a small refugium. Without this planning I don't see it being simple adding on a refugium to an existing aquarium stand..