- Joined
- Nov 8, 2019
- Messages
- 220
- Reaction score
- 382
Todays trend in reefing seems to be about "nutrient control" and how best this can be achieved within the reef aquarium. Many suggest that macro algae's are an effective tool to control nitrate and phosphate levels within the desired ranges that are optimal for fish and coral health. Although, I don't argue that macro algae's are extremely effective at achieving this goal; I think one should evaluate whether or not this is the "most appropriate" approach for their specific application.
I get the impression that "new" reefers feel as though they need a refugium and macro algae in order to achieve optimal nutrient levels. My argument it is that it solely depends on the system it is being applied to. Is this a 'fish only" or a "reef tank"?
In my situation, I utilize carbon dosing/bio pellets and have a bare bottom tank with a medium size fish load and many corals. My nutrients are maintained at respectable levels utilizing these methods.
As a new reefer I think it's easy to fall into the trap of believing you need a refugium and macro algae's only to find that once implemented you discover that nitrate and phosphate levels have reached levels that are extremely low to non detectable within the aquarium and coral health has declined.
Refugium's can be adjusted depending on size, rate of harvest, and photo period. But is this within the grasp of understanding to the novice reefer? Many of whom are trying their very best to grasp an understanding of the 'basic" water chemistry required for the marine environment.
So as one considers "Is a refugium/algae scrubber right for me?" I think these should be some questions for your consideration:
sand bed or bare bottom
many fish or a few
fish only or reef
frequent feeding or once a day
Macro algae's are an effective tool at lowering nitrate and phosphate but do nothing as a transport vehicle for these elements as it relates to coral nutrition.
Bio pellets on the other hand grow bacteria that consumes nitrates and phosphates, and those bacteria are then consumed by corals. Which ironically, is the only way corals can get these life sustaining nutrients.
In a day and age where there is an approach or an additive for everything. I urge new reefers to research their options and utilize what "best practice" meets their needs. Refugium's/Algae Scrubbers are not always the best tool for the job.
I get the impression that "new" reefers feel as though they need a refugium and macro algae in order to achieve optimal nutrient levels. My argument it is that it solely depends on the system it is being applied to. Is this a 'fish only" or a "reef tank"?
In my situation, I utilize carbon dosing/bio pellets and have a bare bottom tank with a medium size fish load and many corals. My nutrients are maintained at respectable levels utilizing these methods.
As a new reefer I think it's easy to fall into the trap of believing you need a refugium and macro algae's only to find that once implemented you discover that nitrate and phosphate levels have reached levels that are extremely low to non detectable within the aquarium and coral health has declined.
Refugium's can be adjusted depending on size, rate of harvest, and photo period. But is this within the grasp of understanding to the novice reefer? Many of whom are trying their very best to grasp an understanding of the 'basic" water chemistry required for the marine environment.
So as one considers "Is a refugium/algae scrubber right for me?" I think these should be some questions for your consideration:
sand bed or bare bottom
many fish or a few
fish only or reef
frequent feeding or once a day
Macro algae's are an effective tool at lowering nitrate and phosphate but do nothing as a transport vehicle for these elements as it relates to coral nutrition.
Bio pellets on the other hand grow bacteria that consumes nitrates and phosphates, and those bacteria are then consumed by corals. Which ironically, is the only way corals can get these life sustaining nutrients.
In a day and age where there is an approach or an additive for everything. I urge new reefers to research their options and utilize what "best practice" meets their needs. Refugium's/Algae Scrubbers are not always the best tool for the job.