Is a algae scrubber something to consider in a new reef 40 gallon cube startup?

[roccomorra]

Would a algae scrubber be a good addition to my Recife 40 gal reef aquarium setup? I am not sure I can fit a refugium somewhere in the rear chambers of this AIO.

 

[Timfish]

I wouldn't bother myself.

 

[Garf]

Nor me. You can do an awful lot of water changes for what it costs to buy/build/run one, especially on a small tank.

 

[Spare time]

I would in general since I don't like water changes in many cases (stress the fish and coral out, can get pricey, causes more issues than it solves if nitrate or phosphate bottom out). But since its an aio it might be easier to just put macroalgae in the back since it seems do-able in that tank.

 

[DeniseAndy]

In an AIO, it is harder to have a small one. You will end up getting one that is remote from the tank. Because these are more expensive, I would say they are not necessary. However, I have UAS on every system except my 6g. I really like them for nutrient export, pod breeding ground, and algae control in main system. I always put them in the sump.

It is something to keep in mind, but not really needed if you already have an AIO system. If custom, I would build in a place for light in the back for an UAS personally.

 

[Peter luu]

After a week of installing, it’s already building algae inside.
I run mine 24/7 for reactor and refugium, opposite time of DT tank.
So far haven’t had any algae problems and growing algae hair and other algae in reactor and mostly in refugium

 

[Spare time]

Have you checked out the fijicube hob refugium? I think it would work

 

[G Santana]

I don't know how much room you have but I built mine for under $30 and it and my skimmer do work.

 

[Peter luu]

I don't know how much room you have but I built mine for under $30 and it and my skimmer do work.

Seen lots of people went with this route and looks like great success

 

[G Santana]

Seen lots of people went with this route and looks like great success

It dropped my nitrates and phosphates in a matter of weeks.
Anyone who has room should have one.
I saw one selling for $900 and almost choked.

 

[Spare time]

A small plastic mesh screeen could fit in the back if cut the filter sponge to a smaller size.

 

[las]

If you decide you want to get one on a 40, this is pretty hard to beat as far as buying one goes:

Marine Magic Ultra Slim Algae Scrubber # MM-ALGAE-01A

The Marine Magic MM-ALGAE-01 is a Hang On Back design Algae Scrubber. This is designed for reef tank with limited space or reef keeper without sump. It could handle a 50-80 Gallon / 190-300 Litre R…

www.marinemagic-online.com

 

[Duncan62]

Would a algae scrubber be a good addition to my Recife 40 gal reef aquarium setup? I am not sure I can fit a refugium somewhere in the rear chambers of this AIO.

Yes. Use it for primary filtration. You'll love it.

 

[Duncan62]

Yes. Use it for primary filtration. You'll love it.

I have a tank that size on a 10 x12 tray scrubber.. 10 qallon sump. Tray sits in the ten gallon tank. I'm building one now that will be the same but larger.

 

[DeniseAndy]

If you decide you want to get one on a 40, this is pretty hard to beat as far as buying one goes:

Marine Magic Ultra Slim Algae Scrubber # MM-ALGAE-01A

The Marine Magic MM-ALGAE-01 is a Hang On Back design Algae Scrubber. This is designed for reef tank with limited space or reef keeper without sump. It could handle a 50-80 Gallon / 190-300 Litre R…

www.marinemagic-online.com

That one looks really good and easy. I wish its foot print was just a bit smaller. I would try it on my 6g. Maybe I will try one on my 20g or 40g since the one I have has to be cleaned almost every other day. I need a bigger one or another one.

 

[RWinfrey]

 

[RWinfrey]

 

[las]

is there alot of light bleed with that ice cap? looks great

 

[Dan_P]

Would a algae scrubber be a good addition to my Recife 40 gal reef aquarium setup? I am not sure I can fit a refugium somewhere in the rear chambers of this AIO.

Is there a reason for adding the algae scrubber?

 

[RWinfrey]