Is a Refugium needed for SPS?

[stevem650]

Wondering how many SPS keepers have refugiums and who has success without one. Are they really needed to have a successful SPS tank? Thanks

 

[NanoDJS]

short answer is no you dont need one , its just a preference thing

 

[Justfebreezeit]

Not needed, just another means of nutrient reduction.

 

[X-37B]

No. I have never ran one.

 

[stevem650]

No. I have never ran one.

By not having a refugium, is it hard to keep nitrates under control? I have a refugium and thinking to remove it.

 

[adtravels]

No, I use a rollermat and skimmer and rarely have to clean the sump. Light in the cabinet can sometimes create significant challenges like blocked lines, etc.

 

[Backreefing]

No a refug is not needed for a cycled and matured tank . If you got lots of live rock the nutrient reduction is of no concern. It will be correct all by the bacteria within the rock and gravel/sand .

 

[X-37B]

By not having a refugium, is it hard to keep nitrates under control? I have a refugium and thinking to remove it.

No. I run a skimmer filter sock and bare bottom.
No3 runs 0-2
Po4 runs 0-.03
120 4 months old
11 fish
30 plus corals
I feed 4 times a day
Ran my 18 cubed nano for 2 years with no problem.

By not having a refugium, is it hard to keep nitrates under control? I have a refugium and thinking to remove it.

Here is a pic I just took

 

[Dlealrious]

I like them it's the only nutrient export I use. Low maintenance for me, no cleaning sox or skimmer cups

 

[Pennywise the Clown]

I have to dose nitrates and phosphates so no refugium for me.

 

[Halal Hotdog]

Refugiums are another tool to make our lives easier. They help stabilize pH if you run lights inverse to your DT. Great haven for pods. One of the best ways to control nitrates and phosphates. I wouldn't run a reef without it, just like I wouldn't run a reef without a skimmer. You don't need either to be successful.

 

[stevem650]

My skimmer will get algae on the side facing my refugium light. Want to remove the refugium and wonder if my nitrates and Phosphates will rise. My tank has been running for 2 years with lots of live rock.

 

[GlassMunky]

My skimmer will get algae on the side facing my refugium light. Want to remove the refugium and wonder if my nitrates and Phosphates will rise. My tank has been running for 2 years with lots of live rock.

why not just properly direct the light into the fuge so that you dont have light spills causing that algal growth? Depending on what type of light you use im sure theres some way to direct it more downwards

 

[stevem650]

why not just properly direct the light into the fuge so that you dont have light spills causing that algal growth? Depending on what type of light you use im sure theres some way to direct it more downwards

My sump Reefer750 is large and my refugium light is clipped to the left side of the sump shinning across the sump. I'm using a Home Depot light with a special grow bulb. Not able to position the pitch downwards.

 

[Halal Hotdog]

My sump Reefer750 is large and my refugium light is clipped to the left side of the sump shinning across the sump. I'm using a Home Depot light with a special grow bulb. Not able to position the pitch downwards.

You might just need a PVC clamp light that can be positioned above your sump rather than the side. I blast my refugium with light from all directions, and some light does make it to my protein skimmer, haven't noticed any adverse issues from the growth that occurs in the chamber. I take a 90 degree plastic toilet brush and clean the chamber once a week while it is still plugged in, takes maybe 20 seconds.

Link to PVC clamp light
https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-75-Watt-PVC-Clamp-Light-1102/205504032

 

[stevem650]

That is the exact light I am using. I don’t have any other option to position my light other than screwing it or hanging into the ceiling of the stand which is not an option. All the plumbing on the Redsea 750 is routed on the right side of the sump.

 

[SeaDweller]

nope.

 

[madweazl]

There are many ways to skin a cat; pick the one you want and go. I like them and have one on our 75g. I have a sump equipped to handle one for the 150g as well but it's in its infancy and has no use for one at the moment.

 

[AdamB]

I did not have a refugium with my 90 mixed tank with several sps and everything grew very well.
I have started an 80 gallon rimless with a refugium a year ago and having a hard time with sps dues to having 0 nitrates . I just added another fish and feeding more so hopefully this will help !