Opinions on Refugiums and Protein Skimmers

[KingAlee]

I have started a 125G 6ft tank with a 75G sump, 1/3 of the sump is the refugium. The question being, If the refugium is kicking and going great (plenty of macroalgae) is it necessary to have a protein skimmer? I do not have an extra (can't afford one at the moment) and was wondering what yalls input is on this? Are they technically needed? Or would a big/good refugium cover it since technically it's doing the same thing just in a different way? Right now, I am not really worried about nitrates rising as I only have a small clown in the water along with some emeralds and a cleaner shrimp. But I guess I'm wondering would I need it in the long run? The refugium currently has a portion of cateo in it that is tumbling. It is on a cycle that cuts the lights on when the main tank lights shut off, I plan on adding more when my LFS has more in stock (Or would yall recommend a different macro that works better.)

 

[betareef]

Is this a fish only tank? I ran a 4ft tank with fish (big tomato clown, powder blue tang, harlequin tusk, yellow tail damsels, yellow wrasse) and a few soft corals for over 10 years, without a skimmer. I built a sump with space for it, then never needed to buy it. My refugium never had much algae either - just a space for growing pods.

 

[Fish Fan]

Hello!

I'm not an 'expert', but I have a few thoughts. I'm sure others will be by shortly to offer further advice...

I have started a 125G 6ft tank with a 75G sump, 1/3 of the sump is the refugium.

How old is your tank? How did you start this tank (live rock or dry rock)?

A full picture of your aquarium would be really helpful for the R2R gurus to best advise you

The question being, If the refugium is kicking and going great (plenty of macroalgae) is it necessary to have a protein skimmer?

No, not at all. Many reefers run many very successful tanks without a protein skimmer. A skimmer is simply a tool that is used primarily to reduce nitrates and phosphates (a skimmer secondarily adds a lot of oxygen to your system; something to consider).

Or would a big/good refugium cover it since technically it's doing the same thing just in a different way?

Yes, in the end, an efficient refugium and/or an efficient skimmer are both working towards the same goal, just from slightly different angles

Right now, I am not really worried about nitrates rising as I only have a small clown in the water along with some emeralds and a cleaner shrimp. But I guess I'm wondering would I need it in the long run?

As you've noted, your first fish or two, and most motile (moving) inverts like snails, crabs, and shrimp are very hardy, and will be fine even if you see very high nitrates.

But I guess I'm wondering would I need it in the long run?

The only way to know this is to test your system over time. Maybe your Cheato 'fuge can handle all your nutrient problems, maybe it can't. And then you'd maybe want to consider a skimmer or other "tools".

The refugium currently has a portion of cateo in it that is tumbling. It is on a cycle that cuts the lights on when the main tank lights shut off, I plan on adding more when my LFS has more in stock (Or would yall recommend a different macro that works better.)

This is a very sound plan - run your refugium lights opposite the main tank lights to help stabilize you pH.

I hope this helps!

 

[KingAlee]

Is this a fish only tank? I ran a 4ft tank with fish (big tomato clown, powder blue tang, harlequin tusk, yellow tail damsels, yellow wrasse) and a few soft corals for over 10 years, without a skimmer. I built a sump with space for it, then never needed to buy it. My refugium never had much algae either - just a space for growing pods.

I plan on eventually adding corals

 

[KingAlee]

Hello!

I'm not an 'expert', but I have a few thoughts. I'm sure others will be by shortly to offer further advice...


How old is your tank? How did you start this tank (live rock or dry rock)?

A full picture of your aquarium would be really helpful for the R2R gurus to best advise you


No, not at all. Many reefers run many very successful tanks without a protein skimmer. A skimmer is simply a tool that is used primarily to reduce nitrates and phosphates (a skimmer secondarily adds a lot of oxygen to your system; something to consider).


Yes, in the end, an efficient refugium and/or an efficient skimmer are both working towards the same goal, just from slightly different angles


As you've noted, your first fish or two, and most motile (moving) inverts like snails, crabs, and shrimp are very hardy, and will be fine even if you see very high nitrates.

The only way to know this is to test your system over time. Maybe your Cheato 'fuge can handle all your nutrient problems, maybe it can't. And then you'd maybe want to consider a skimmer or other "tools".


This is a very sound plan - run your refugium lights opposite the main tank lights to help stabilize you pH.

I hope this helps!

Thank you for the info! The tank is still relatively new, only a month old! I plan on loading it with macro in the five I guess like you said time will only tell