Reefer 170 : in-sump Refugium or Algae Reactor

[Kayzah]

Hi There,

As most of you should know, the RSR 170 sump is not designed to host a refugium section, and I definetly want to grow macro-algae in my tank.
Therefore, I'm considering two options:

- Add a Algae Reactor.
I would buy something similar to https://www.marinedepot.com/AquaMaxx_XL_Algae_Reactor_Package-AquaMaxx-UJ5356-FIFRAS-vi.html

I will place it outside the cabinet, because I'm not totally sure it will fit inside the RSR 170 cabinet.
Would that be a wise idea?

- Swap the sump for another sump with a built-in refugium like these
https://marine-world.co.uk/products/eaprosump-medium
or
https://www.marinedepot.com/Trigger...-Trigger_Systems_LLC-6E81638-FIFRBSCU-vi.html

I wanted some feedbacks of RSR 170 owners who are growing algae and the method the way they are doing it. Any pictures will be welcome.

The option of converting the ATO into a refugium is not the table since I'm not a handyman at all.

Thank you all

 

[GoVols]

I like AquaMaxx and they build solid products at a really nice price point.

Once an Algae reactor gets going it can be cumbersome to clean out the overgrowth from the enclosed cylinder.

With that said:
I'd go with an fuge / with the Kessil H80 fuge light.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/h80-...MImvrHg-PH2gIVkyOBCh2Dxg97EAQYASABEgIidfD_BwE

But, (lol) That's JMO...

 

[wiselyy73]

Swap out the sump. Well known that RS sump and ATO are useless.

 

[jpluttme]

Crystal Reef Aquatics makes a replacement sump for the Reefer 250 if you want to run a fuge and might to the Triton method one day or even something similar. Per an email I just got from them the other day, it should also work for the 170. Plenty of other sumps would work as well.

 

[jpluttme]

This guy runs a reactor on a 170 and seems to be happy with it: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/ludders-red-sea-reefer-170.364775/

 

[Kayzah]

Thank you jpluttme.

Indeed I love this guy build. I think I'll go for a chaeto reactor then.

 

[Orm Embar]

I just tossed some chaeto into the big skimmer chamber, bought $2 worth of plastic mesh from Michael's from the knitting section, and added a clip on light. It works great for me, with minimal upkeep.

 

[lion king]

I'm using the aquamaxx reactors on 2 tanks, one large one small. I recently added a reactor to a tank I was running a refugium, the refugium wasn't living up to my expectations. I have not had good luck with refugium running in sumps with full flow, I believe the macro needs less flow to be fully effective. So for me it's algae reactors all the way. If your sump has a dedicated refugium where you can control the flow, then a refugium may be a consideration.