Refugium with automatic filter?

[EBNewbie]

Hi everyone,
I've ordered a 225G (72x30x24) and I'm planning a sump. I currently have a 40B with a 29G sump with chambers in that order (Compact Rollermat -> Skimmer -> Refugium -> Return). Since installing the rollermat, I have not been able to grow chaeto (it turns to mush). My skimmer pulls maybe 1/2 inch of skim per week. So needless to say, the refugium is an empty chamber with a 4" marinepure block.

For my 225G, I was looking at sumps and it seems like the options are either to get a refugium and no socks or a rollermat/socks but no refugium. I really like that the rollermat is making my water clear; especially because I have a sand sifting goby that moves sand... On the other hand, I would really like to have pods to feed a mandarin in a year or so.

Am I correct in thinking that if I go automatic fleece roller + skimmer, then I need to forget a refugium? Would I be able to put "pod hotels" in the sump and add plankton or that's a gimmick?

For what it's worth, I'm looking at this sump: https://synergyreef.com/product/synergy-reef-sk-44-sump/

 

[xxkenny90xx]

You can use all of the above or none of the above and be successful. Of you want a fuge as well as the roller and skimmer the you might need to add more fish and feed heavier. As for the pods I feel that chaeto is the ideal shape but they will breed anywhere that you can provide them safe hiding places ( like for instance pod hotels)