Refugium vs Algae Reactor

[mrvn]

Hello everyone!

I'm in the process of setting up a Red Sea Reefer 250 and I'm debating if I should run a refugium with a Kessil H380 or if I should go with a Pax Bellum N18.

Thanks!

 

[gcarroll]

If you have the space, I would now with a fuge. In the end, less maintenance. As @Ryanbrs told me, "how hard is it to periodically take out a handful of chaeto and toss it!"

 

[pettoe90]

If you have good flow in the fuge it should grow algae just as quick as a reactor with that lighting

 

[mrvn]

If you have good flow in the fuge it should grow algae just as quick as a reactor with that lighting

I have a gyre which I'm not using at the moment so, I was planning on using it to keep the chaeto moving

 

[mrvn]

After giving it some thought, I went with the Pax Bellum N18.

After all it came down to size, the reactor is smaller and since the cabinet of the Reefer 250 doesnt have too much space I think this will allow me to fit more equipment in my sump.

 

[madweazl]

I've never run a reactor so I cant comment on how effective they are but the one thing I really enjoy about the refugium is that it is a completely different world down there. Just like the DT, there is always something new to see in the refugium.

 

[JAMSOURY]

I've never run a reactor so I cant comment on how effective they are but the one thing I really enjoy about the refugium is that it is a completely different world down there. Just like the DT, there is always something new to see in the refugium.

I too wonder how effective these reactors are instead of having a refugium.

 

[pettoe90]

How about a scrubber I've been thinking of making one heard a lot of good about them

 

[PaulG]

After giving it some thought, I went with the Pax Bellum N18.

After all it came down to size, the reactor is smaller and since the cabinet of the Reefer 250 doesnt have too much space I think this will allow me to fit more equipment in my sump.

I am exactly trying to make the same decision. I have a reefer 450 and can turn the ATO into a refugium and use the 380 Kessils. How is the ARID working out for you (maintenance, effectiveness etc.). Thank you for sharing your experience.

 

[seastar]

I am exactly trying to make the same decision. I have a reefer 450 and can turn the ATO into a refugium and use the 380 Kessils. How is the ARID working out for you (maintenance, effectiveness etc.). Thank you for sharing your experience.

I'm trying to decide the exact same thing myself wit ha reefer 525. My ATO is nearly useless as the tiny hole always clogs.

 

[pelphrey]

I'm running the Santa Monica RAIN2 ATS on my reefer 250. Fits perfectly in the little sump.

 

[hart24601]

One heck of a reactor! Keep us updated on growth please.

 

[mrvn]

I am exactly trying to make the same decision. I have a reefer 450 and can turn the ATO into a refugium and use the 380 Kessils. How is the ARID working out for you (maintenance, effectiveness etc.). Thank you for sharing your experience.

Sounds like a good plan, specially with the 380. Sorry I can't answer your questions at the moment since I haven't plumb the tank yet. Hopefully I get it done over the weekend but, I'll post some updates as soon as it is running.

I'm trying to decide the exact same thing myself wit ha reefer 525. My ATO is nearly useless as the tiny hole always clogs.

I think a refugium is a good idea and maybe it requires less maintenance than the reactor but, I didn't have too much space left inside the cabinet after adding a larger sump so, I went with the reactor.

 

[Wrasse-cal]

Sounds like a good plan, specially with the 380. Sorry I can't answer your questions at the moment since I haven't plumb the tank yet. Hopefully I get it done over the weekend but, I'll post some updates as soon as it is running.

I think a refugium is a good idea and maybe it requires less maintenance than the reactor but, I didn't have too much space left inside the cabinet after adding a larger sump so, I went with the reactor.

I’m debating using a refugium lit by the Kessil H380 vs ARID N-18 reactor right now too. I would very much like to hear your thoughts on how things are going for you.

 

[2000se]

I know this is a very old thread but I like to hear updates to post where someone asked a question on which direction to take and then make a decision.

How did it work out ? Are you still using your pax bellum? Do you wish you would've went with the fuge now?

 

[David Cher]

any update on this thread ? planning to get the skimz mbr .

any thoughts ?