Macro algae, does it really do much?

[Haulin Oates]

So I'm going to run my 40 breeder sump under my Biocube, but I know I don't have enough room in the cube for all of the corals I have, so I was going to take the refugium area and turn it into a little frag tank area... But I won't have enough room to do that and macros... So does the macro really do that much or can I get away with out it?

 

[Cake_Boss]

Good question, I'm sure you can compensate for it and be ok

Sent using Forum Runner

 

[ReefCheif]

Youll probably just have to be more diligent on maintenance.

 

[skebo]

Sure you can run without Macros. A fudge has as much controversy to it as a Deep sand bed or vodka dosing. Well not as much but some. They do however eat nitrate and phos, so watch these levels closer.

 

[Ghosty]

And from what I've been reading lately (another debatable subject), some people are swearing up and down about algae scrubbers being way more efficient at removing "bad stuff" (nitrates, toxins, phos, etc.) than just macro in a fuge. There's another thread here with a bunch of info on building one. Maybe it'll work better for your limited size setup...

 

[skebo]

Algea scrubber, sounds like a phos reactor with additional features. I don't know anything about it and already think i want one. I am a fan of simulating nature as much as possible to better simulate the wild. However nature forgot to create a saltwater pleco so that only works so far. That and my wallet and floor can only hold so much water I personaly have a fudge sitting above my sump, a pump from the sump pumps up to the fuge and free fall drains back down. I chose to have macro's because
1. I want a heavier bio load,
2. the wife loves sea hares and I need the extra food (it turns out it is really true, if she is not happy i am not happy)
3. Anything that takes out nitrates and phos is my friend (just watch out for the nitrate dump like chaeto search going sexual)
4. Copepods and anphodes love to live in macro and it becomes a breeding ground
5. A great place for some more live rock.
okok so number 2 was how I talked the wife into getting yet another little tank. that and a place to put a cow fish for her.

Off to read about alge scrubbers..

 

[Haulin Oates]

Thanks guys! The reason I asked was because I was afraid my coral wouldn't all fit in my DT when I downsized... But since it all died now I have room for a fuge'

 

[Ghosty]

Algea scrubber, sounds like a phos reactor with additional features. I don't know anything about it and already think i want one

There's tons of info. Here's the recent one from SantaMonicaHelp here, lots of pics and links. Makes me want to try one instead of (or in addition to) a fuge with Macro:

http://www.marinecolorado.org/forum...minate-green-hair-bubble-turf-and-slime-algae

There's a forum dedicated to it: www.AlgaeScrubber.net. And here are some other threads I've been reading:

http://www.livingreefs.com/build-algae-scrubber-t32422.html

http://www.reef2reef.com/forums/do-yourself-diy/63113-algae-scrubber-basics.html

http://algaescrubber.net/forums/showthread.php?1768-Now-building-Waterfall-3D-LED-Algae-Scrubbers

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_6/volume_6_1/algae.htm