Triton method with calcium reactor

[reef’r]

I’m looking into triton method but also I just purchased a Carx. I know they offer a supplement for this purpose to add what’s necessary for the algae in the Fuge to grow without the triton 1,2,3a,3b. Was wondering if anyone on here is using this and if it’s cumbersome at all like how much of the infusion your having to dose runs up cost a lot? Also the Carx is the Tunze which is designed to go in sump so between that and my skimmer and relocating heaters plus adding a baffle into the sump I don’t think I could get the 10-20% fuge volume

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Whatever route you go, if you have a refugium which is intended to grow significant macroalgae (a fine plan, IMO), it is worthwhile to ensure the algae is getting enough of certain trace elements to grow well, and these include iron and manganese. You can buy specific products, or you can diy (I chose the latter).

I would not focus on the refugium needing to be some specific size. How well it works depends a lot on the lighting, the type of macroalgae, and other attributes.

 

[BeanAnimal]

Randy, I think the Triton Core7 adds those (not sure what else) and supposedly in a “balanced” for refugia concentration. The Core 7 “other methods” does not have the additional trace for refugia. Given their refusal to list concentrations, I suppose it is all guesswork and trust.

Is there a way that you would go about testing or observing and adjust or supplementing?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

It seems like a fine way to go to add a refugium and see how it does. Then after it is established and growing at some reasonable rate, add some additional supplements as a test to see if it does better.

 

[reef’r]

Whatever route you go, if you have a refugium which is intended to grow significant macroalgae (a fine plan, IMO), it is worthwhile to ensure the algae is getting enough of certain trace elements to grow well, and these include iron and manganese. You can buy specific products, or you can diy (I chose the latter).

I would not focus on the refugium needing to be some specific size. How well it works depends a lot on the lighting, the type of macroalgae, and other attributes.

The size of the refugium is just in reference to the method outlining a recommended 10-20% and the tank total volume being dedicated to the refugium. They also are specific about return pump being capable of 10x turn over rate.

 

[reef’r]

Randy, I think the Triton Core7 adds those (not sure what else) and supposedly in a “balanced” for refugia concentration. The Core 7 “other methods” does not have the additional trace for refugia. Given their refusal to list concentrations, I suppose it is all guesswork and trust.

Is there a way that you would go about testing or observing and adjust or supplementing?

The “other methods” are just the core elements, aimed towards people without refugium

 

[BeanAnimal]

The “other methods” are just the core elements, aimed towards people without refugium

Correct, that is the system that I use. But they don't fully disclose concentrations of either system.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The size of the refugium is just in reference to the method outlining a recommended 10-20% and the tank total volume being dedicated to the refugium. They also are specific about return pump being capable of 10x turn over rate.

I understand the intent. I definitely do not agree with the return pump advice (much lower is still perfectly fine), and lots of different size refugia can work and big ones do not necessarily work.

 

[reef’r]

Correct, that is the system that I use. But they don't fully disclose concentrations of either system.

Why did you opt to not run the refugium?

 

[reef’r]

I understand the intent. I definitely do not agree with the return pump advice (much lower is still perfectly fine), and lots of different size refugia can work and big ones do not necessarily work.

Right. I think a would have to change my sump if I wanted to meet the exact numbers and that’s not happening… I’m sure it’ll be plenty effective

 

[BeanAnimal]

Why did you opt to not run the refugium?

I ran one for years in a 30 gallon that drained into the display. I got tired of maintaining it. It was a detritus trap, required constant harvesting and generally was pain. I ran a large dump box ATS for a long time as well, both with and without the refugium, as well as a waterfall ATS.

I think they have benefits, I just opted to simplify my system and maintenance, mostly out of laziness.

 

[reef’r]

I ran one for years in a 30 gallon that drained into the display. I got tired of maintaining it. It was a detritus trap, required constant harvesting and generally was pain. I ran a large dump box ATS for a long time as well, both with and without the refugium, as well as a waterfall ATS.

I think they have benefits, I just opted to simplify my system and maintenance, mostly out of laziness.

The only complaint I’ve heard from people running triton is constantly trimming macro. And yeah they recommend no socks or floss, but to clean sump out every 3-6 months

 

[BeanAnimal]

I did not use triton back then. It was 12-15 years ago I would guess.