Do I need a Gfo reactor if I have a refugium?
Yes running both will be best. GFO will pull out phosphates and the refugium will primarily pull out Nitrates with the macro algae, It does pull out a smaller amount of phosphates but not like the gfo would.
Can you put Chaeto in a reactor?
A.R.I.D. nature of Chaetomorpha algae especially in this reactor, we recommend placing it in the upper half, if placing other algae in the same unit.
How effective are algae reactors?
The advantage of a reactor of algae is the ease to control the level of inorganic nutrients without depleting them completely, as it might happen with other biological filtration methods (for example the so-called probiotics which base their efficiency on the massive reproduction of bacteria by adding carbon sources …
What is the difference between a sump and a refugium?
A sumps purpose is to hold additional water and equipment. A refugium is lit and usually contains macro algae.
Are Refugiums worth it?
Having a refugium is definitely worth it. It really helps the pod population in the tank and macro algae is great for nutrient export.
Can you use too much ROWAphos?
The use of excess amounts of ROWAphos may strip the phosphate down to zero and therefore disrupt metabolic processes.
How does a Chaeto reactor work?
Macroalgae reactors are built with the sole purpose of growing chaetomorpha algae. Algaes thrive on phosphates and nitrates which are dissolved in the aquarium water. By harvesting and removing the macroalgae, excessive nutrients are removed from the aquarium water which helps maintain a natural biological balance.
What do algae reactors do?
Can you grow Chaeto in freshwater?
Chaeto is a species native to marine environments and most likely will not grow in freshwater aquariums or refugiums.
What is a refugium good for?
A refugium is generally used to provide delicate species with safety, protecting them from the larger fish in the main tank. Refugiums are often used to grow copepods as food for their aquarium fish, or to raise delicate species of fish or coral.
Can the sump be a refugium?
Having a refugium in a sump is the cheapest and most beginner friendly option. If you do not have a sump there are other methods, but ultimately having a sump will be best. In your sump, you will most likely have two or three sections.
Where is the return pump on a refugium?
And the third section is where the return pump that pumps the water back into your tank is located. You may have other kinds of filtration and equipment such as carbon, GFO, reactors, and dosers, but essentially the best place for your refugium is the last section of filtration.
What’s the best way to set up a refugium?
Step 1: Turn off your return pump and prepare the section where you will have your refugium. Step 2: Add your substrate and media. If you have chosen to use sand or refugium mud, put that in first and fill to about one to two inches of depth. Then add your rocks, MarinePure blocks, or other media you chose.
How does a refugium work in an aquarium?
The algae uses the nitrates and phosphates, which come from food and fish waste, to grow. Then, the algae is harvested and the nutrients are successfully taken out. Having a refugium increases the overall biodiversity of your tank, which improves the wellbeing of the aquarium.
How are refugiums used as a source of nutrients?
They also provide a habitat for small beneficial organisms so they can reproduce without getting eaten. Algae is also commonly grown in a refugium as an additional form of nutrient export. The algae uses the nitrates and phosphates, which come from food and fish waste, to grow.