Refugium vs Chaeto Reactor?

[Sun1914]

So I'm currently growing chaeto in my sump but I'm looking for a way to "clean up" the sump
and so I'm considering a reactor. Wondering what has been the pros and cons for you reefers who
are currently running a reactor vs having a refugium and vis versa.

Thanks guys.

 

[ActiveAngel]

One Pro of having a refugium, is that you have a refugium. Lol

The primary purpose of a refugium is a place of refuge. This can be for troublemaker (or bullied) fish, or for copepods and amphipods.

As for nutrient control, I’ll let others dive into further pros and cons.

 

[morganatlanta]

I'd take a regular old fuge over a reactor or algae scrubber any day. Yes, it's a little messy, but it is so much easier than having another piece of gear to manage.

 

[Sun1914]

I run a refugium in my sump and its been doing just fine. Maybe too good because I'm now trying to raise my NO3 and PO4 levels.
A lot of my corals are losing color and headed towards death...lol. I now have a reactor sitting in my closet but I won't be using it.
Especially not in the midst of trying to correct an existing problem.

I do like the cleaner look of the reactor but my ultimate goal is a great looking reef with minimal maintenance.
Cleaning out the sump every 2-3 months...maybe even longer and harvesting chaeto every so often doesn't seem too bad.
I think the reactor will require more attention.

The reactor does save space in the sump though...lol.

 

[Dmitri]

From my experience, reactor is harder to clean than refugium. Pros would be, space saver for reactor.

if you’ve got space stick with refugium.