Can a Reefmat replace a Refugium???

[bimmer88]

I'm currently use a refugium for nutrient export. Been considering getting a Reefmat so I've been reading up on it. Running into a lot of posts about users' nutrients bottoming out due to Reefmat. Do these things really work that good for nutrient export? Will I still need a fuge if I install one? Would like to hear from some of your experiences with it. Thanks!

 

[theMeat]

Reefmat is like a filter sock that gets changed a few times a day. With a sock that gets washed every three, four days some of what it catches breaks down and enters the water column. If you’re only washing every week more time for debris to breakdown, more enters the water column.
This ^ takes out nutrients, or potential nutrients, right out of the tank before they have a chance to enter the nitrogen cycle.
A refugium that grows macro feeds on what comes out the other side of the nitrogen cycle.
Guess it comes down to do you want the added expense and effort to replace new rolls for reefmat, or do you want a natural method of nutrient export