29 gallon Biocube (protein skimmer vs refug)

[mkeevil]

I am looking into changing the second compartment in the 29 gallon Biocube but I am not sure which would be best... I could just buy the 29 gallon protein skimmer or convert it into a refug... can someone help me, what are the pros and cons of either? Is one better then the other?

 

[reefman23]

I would say that a skimmer would be a much better use for that space. If you had a larger volume that could be better lit I would say the refugium would be a good choice. You have to also consider that they accomplish two different things though so OVERALL you cannot say which is better than the other. But again, for your situatution, the skimmer is better IMO.

Jesse

 

[skipm]

The way I think about this when talking about nutrient export is that a refugium deals with built up waste products where a skimmer removes waste before it can breakdown and start building up.

 

[mkeevil]

Thanks... sounds good... should I change the sponge that between the 2nd and 3rd section?

 

[skipm]

You just have to rinse the sponges well at least once a week to help keep them from becoming nitrate factories. All of the sponges used need to be rinsed no matter how many or where they are in the chambers.