In sump skimmer or refugium

[justplainnuts]

Hello all, Hope your tanks are well.

I have a question that I hope to get your opinions on. I have a 60g Cube setup, I have a sump that I built from a 20H tank. When I built the sump I had an older reef octopus skimmer in which I re-used, it hangs off the side of the 20H and I reach around the back of the tank to empty cup (tank in corner). The return pump is in the middle of the sump and then I have a refugium on the end closest to the cabinet door. I only have about 5 inches on the end where the HOB skimmer is, an in sump will not fit. I really want an in-sump. So should I do away with the fuge and add skimmer there or keep fuge and go with a better HOB skimmer, the current one I have was built around 2005 and works, but not the best. It isnt a big deal to reach around the back......And I really dont want to redo plumbing/sump etc...Thanks for taking the time to read this.

 

[saltyfish]

If I had to choose between a skimmer or a refugium, I would pick a skimmer. What skimmer do you have now and what new skimmers are you looking at? I've always used in-sump skimmers so I can't really comment on HOB skimmers.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Skimmer

 

[760mason]

Skimmer with a bio pellet reactor. Get rid of the refugium all together. In a sump that size it is impossible for the refugium to be effective. If your cramped for space and need a good skimmer look into the Tunze DOC line. Small footprint, very quiet and gets the poo out of the water.