More Effective: Fuge w/Macro or Algae Scrubber?

[redsea01]

Hello, I was curious as to what you guys thought was more effective at lowering nitrate levels/cleaning up water quality (aside from a water change :) )

 

[Jmas4]

I'm am going to stick around to see the answer too.

 

[redsea01]

I'm am going to stick around to see the answer too.

Yeah, I have heard success stories with both! I do like the idea of a fuge better (I think they look nicer)...but I'm curious. :)

 

[donnievaz]

No idea but I'm in as well. Never used a scrubber but the fuge works great.

 

[lou dog420]

In my opinion a fuge is more beneficial simply because of the amount of life that it harbors!!

 

[Labridaedicted]

Both have pros and cons, but speaking strictly from a nitrate standpoint, the scrubber would likely yield better results than loose macros in a situation that isn't nutrient limited.

This can be attributed to several factors. One being the usable vegetated surface area (recieving light) of the scrubber will allow more more rapid growth of vegetation. The other being flow. Since water is pumped over the surface and remains in contact with the algae for a longer period of time, there is more opportunity for nutrient uptake.

I think practically speaking, you will see similar results in most systems, but a heavily stocked, heavily fed tank would see greater nitrate reduction from a scrubber. Bear in mind that algae as a filter is nutrient dependent and if other nutrients (particularly P) are absent, then the growth rate of the plants will be limited and will not be as effective as a filter.

That being said, I always used Chaeto in my sumps before going with the heavy skimming regimen instead.

 

[Jakepen]

I have the fusion 30l, ran chateo for a while. Found it was to messy, constantly having to pull it out and trim it, then I would have pieces and built up detritus floating around my tank. Now I run a scrubber, much neater, and no algae in my DT. My question is, I have dominantly lps which I know like dirty water. So am I doing more damage then good, by pulling out all the nitrates?

 

[Labridaedicted]

I have the fusion 30l, ran chateo for a while. Found it was to messy, constantly having to pull it out and trim it, then I would have pieces and built up detritus floating around my tank. Now I run a scrubber, much neater, and no algae in my DT. My question is, I have dominantly lps which I know like dirty water. So am I doing more damage then good, by pulling out all the nitrates?

Likely not from a health stand point. Though some lps type of coral will display better colors with a bit of nutrients in the water. It's pretty unlikely that an algae scrubber alone would get you to that point. Typically you only see that in some of the really heavily filtered sps tanks and the like. If there's enough nutrients for the algae scrubber, then you're corals are getting the nutrients they need, too (most likely).

 

[Jakepen]

Likely not from a health stand point. Though some lps type of coral will display better colors with a bit of nutrients in the water. It's pretty unlikely that an algae scrubber alone would get you to that point. Typically you only see that in some of the really heavily filtered sps tanks and the like. If there's enough nutrients for the algae scrubber, then you're corals are getting the nutrients they need, too (most likely).

Thank you, makes sense.

 

[bobman]

I would say it really depends on what you are trying to accomplish and how much space you have. An algae scrubber can do more for filtration in less space than a fuge. But a larger fuge can yield the same filtration capabilities plus offering a safe haven for pods and other beneficial organisms to grow. You can also have a place for that hermit that got way to big and is knocking over corals. But if you dont have the room for a decent sized fuge then you are better off with a scrubber.

 

[Roberto CRC]

I have used both, both are good but I opted for the refugium because it requires less maintenance and also houses microfauna.

 

[redsea01]

Thanks so much everyone for your replies!

I would say it really depends on what you are trying to accomplish and how much space you have. An algae scrubber can do more for filtration in less space than a fuge. But a larger fuge can yield the same filtration capabilities plus offering a safe haven for pods and other beneficial organisms to grow. You can also have a place for that hermit that got way to big and is knocking over corals. But if you dont have the room for a decent sized fuge then you are better off with a scrubber.

Ah, I see! So I have a 125g sized tank...what size fuge/scrubber would be equivalent for that size setup? Thank you.

 

[bobman]

For a sump as big as you possibly can. I run my skimmer external to have more room for my fuge. I have a 65 for the fuge it only has 1 baffle so the return pump dont suck up macro algae. For a scrubber I am not a pro at them. I know I seen somewhere where they break down the size of the scrubber for the size of the tank. Might take me a minute to find it but I believe it is on this site.

 

[erfig]

Crazy question What would using both do Providing there is big enough space a refugium

 

[Breakthecycle2]

I have the fusion 30l, ran chateo for a while. Found it was to messy, constantly having to pull it out and trim it, then I would have pieces and built up detritus floating around my tank. Now I run a scrubber, much neater, and no algae in my DT. My question is, I have dominantly lps which I know like dirty water. So am I doing more damage then good, by pulling out all the nitrates?

What kind of algae scrubber are you using?

 

[Jakepen]

What kind of algae scrubber are you using?

Just a DIY. Plastic canvas hung in my chambers, with a light hitting it.

 

[Jakepen]

Since the picture the algae has grown a lot.

 

[tcarter1936]

Crazy question What would using both do Providing there is big enough space a refugium

I had both started with very successful refugium then added my scrubber as soon as scrubber started producing my chato died in fuge.right now I have neither but am about to go with a new fuge for easy maintenance and pod production

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Bump!

 

[najer]

Interesting above bump post, refugium, I only run a fuge, no skimmer or reactors on 550 litres water volume, a fuge is for life, never tried a scrubber, I'm still just balancing the tank to what keeps the system happy, scrubbers sound too harsh for me. ;)