Refugiums vs Algae Turf Scrubbers

[Shep]

I know that these are both a way to help eliminate excess nutrients but what are the pros and cons of each? Which do you think is better and why?

 

[cypho]

I used caulerpa in a refugium for years. It was great at keeping low nutrients, but it was a constant losing battle trying to keep the caulerpa from escaping the refugium and growing in the the display tank. I was never able to grow chaeto, I assume because it could not compete with the caulerpa.

My current tank uses an ATS. I love it. So far it seems just as effective at nutrient control and so far the turf algae has not tried to take over the display tank. I'll never go back to caulerpa.

 

[Shep]

ATS do seem to have less hassle associated with them and are a little easier to set up and maintain.

 

[MrDJeep123]

There are other plants that can be added besides chaeto and calerpa that are much less hassle and far more pleasing.