Refugium question

[Saltie]

Hi everyone,

My question is what size refugium filter do I need? And do hang on the back refugium filters really work?

I have a 50 gallon tank with 20 pounds of live sand and 67 pounds of live rock, three small power heads, a Prizem protein skimmer, and an Eheim (sp) wet/dry canister filter. I have been having higher nitrates then I would like so I have removed the wet/dry canister filter. The live rock have been doing a good job but I wanted help things out with a rerugium, the problem is how big does it need to be and can I hang it on the back?

Any advice would be helpful.

Saltie

[tray262]

Hang on the backs are OK. You'd have to make sure you get a big enough one. I think with a 50gal it shouldn't be too hard to get one to work. CPR makes some really nice ones. I would run a deep sand bed in the Ref. just to help out.

[sihaya]

I wouldn't get a h.o.t. refugium. I had one once and they're a pain in the arse and hardly worth anything. But it all depends on what you're using the refugium for. If you just want a small area of low-flow away from your fish and corals, a hang on back is fine. But if you want something that's actually going to do some real nutrient export (or a reverse photoperiod refugium), the hang on back ones just aren't going to cut it. I like the "rule" that you should have a refugium as big as your display tank. Though, obviously, that's just not practical for most people. It wasn't practical for me either... so I only have a 29g refugium for my 65g display.

In any case, I would strongly suggest against the h.o.t. refugiums. Sure they look cool and everything, but you really just can't do much of anything with them (IMO).

[BubbaWPB]

To be honest, you don't "NEED" a refugium. You can run a successful tank without one. On the other hand, they are very nice to have and beneficial for your tank. Since having one isn't absolutely necessary to begin with, any size would add a benefit.

Since you have adequate live rock and a skimmer - I would consider not using the canister. First, it's not necessary with the live rock and skimmer. They are fine filtration if you clean them regularly (no less than weekly), but most of us get a little on the lazy side and the canister can cause major problems if not maintained.

Looks like you are off to a good start!

P.S. Welcome to Reefland!

[sihaya]

I second the no canister suggestion. Canisters totally blow. I only use one to periodically run carbon or phosphate remover (but pretty much just for fun... not regularly). And even then I only use one of those little HOT magnums.