Do I need a refuge?

[Dseg]

I have carbon and GFO running in reactors and was wondering if I should use a refuge with macro algae. My cheato looks to be dying after I added GFO. I also have live rock which is good for pods but is it worth keeping in my sump? My sump is kinda cramped and would be nice to free up room.

 

[jcw]

my chaeto stopped growing and died a little when I first started GFO and +/-carbon.

Now after 2 months, it started growing again. I don't know.

I think if you have issue with nuisance algae, keep it. if not, don't. but you might have to go back to it if the algae pops up.

 

[andyvalk]

You don't really need a refugium if you don't want one. It's just a matter of preference and what you are trying to accomplish.

 

[andyvalk]

If you want to keep fish that need pods to survive would be a good example.

 

[Psirex]

they are great way to export excess nutrients like nitrates and phosphates - I know you have a reactor for phosphates but what are you doing to control nitrates outside of the skimming?

 

[Palting]

"Need" is too strong a word. It seems your system is handling nitrates and phosphates fine, if you chaeto is dying and you still do not have an excess of phosphates/nitrates. So, for your case, no, you do not need a refugium.

Here's one thing to consider, though. Why not get rid of the GFO/reactor? A refugium is self sustaing, costs nothing, natural, and if properly done will control your nitrates and phosphates without need for GFO/reactor. A refugium can also grow pods and other critters that can feed yoour fish and coral, again, essentially for free!!

 

[reefermad619]

^+1. And you can use it to keep fish in as well. Like when trying to get rid of/sell a fish you don't want anymore.