Can a fuge replace a skimmer?

[Pistondog]

I’ve been thinking ahead toward my next build and was wondering if it was possible for a refugium to replace to need for a skimmer. Assuming you were still doing regular water changes and regularly exporting chaeto, do you think it’s possible to run a successful reef without a skimmer? Is anyone currently doing this? Is there anything else to be conscious of?

Many successful tanks run without a skimmer. I think it depends on your bioload and refugium. I do think it is easier to run a Reef tank with a skimmer, and refugium.
The skimmer doesn't export nitrate and phosphate, but organics that break down into them. So it reduces the refugium loading.

 

[jda]

Skimmer on the front end for protein reduction. Fuge removes N, P and other trace elements (like Iron) if you export/prune the macro - if you don't export the macro, then it is just in temp storage. They also remove heavy metals that usually bind to organics - you introduce these in a lot of foods and stuff and who know what else. Gas exchange and optimum pH (with your home ambient air). I would do both.

 

[Royce024]

The goal for my 34 gallon nano (RSR170) was to reduce the algae, cyano, and increase pH. The notable changes were to replace my skimmer with a refugium and supplement my All For Reef (1 part) dosing with kalkwasser in my ATO. It seems to be a success.

I took my skimmer offline 1 month ago and now I am utilizing only a refugium with garcilaria hayi. I am doing 10% water changes a week via AWC. All the display algae and cyano have pretty much disappeared after 2-3 weeks. However, there are now minimal algae and cyano in the refugium. I've noticed cyano on the macroalgae. The macroalgae doesn't seem affected as it is still growing well. Subsequently, the aiptasia are more visible on the rocks >_<. I'll deal with them later.

It feels as if nutrient import and export have increased. I have to dose phosphate and nitrates, and feed more so they don't bottom out. Now I'm thinking about decreasing the refugium photoperiod (12hrs) or reducing my water changes. The corals have responded positively thus far.