AugustaSalty;410626 wrote: they dont malfunction like a skimmer can? pumps dont go bad, water levels can fluctuate, they only thing that can happen is a bulb goes out, then nothing bad happens, algae just doesnt grow until you pop in a new light. How are nitrates removed from any ecosystem? they are used up. I know that protein skimmers mimic ocean foam and some gets removed that way. but what about in swamps, lakes, fields, any system? nitrates and phosphates stay in water until used. If the nitrates and phosphates are used by algae in a refugium, they cannont be spilled or leaked back into the system, they are bonded inside the algal tissue. Foam Fractionation works, but it removes things that I believe are better left in the ecosystem. Because at the end of the day thats what we are recreating, an ecosystem. You say that in your opinion there is no better way. what other ways have you tried? I've tried big skimmers, they are successful. I'm not saying they dont work, i mention that many times. However, going with a natural system, and trying to replicate all parts of the ecosystem is actually more stable. Cannot offer a long term solution? I've been running my tank for close to two years on this system and have no plans or reason to make any changes. Its worked for eons in nature, it will work for the life of my tank. Before you knock something, try it, or listen to people who have tried it. Its easy to just say "ooh its just smoke and mirrors" but if you havent tried it, how do you know?. There are many people who have had a great deal of success with it. Whats more likely, that it is a successful system, or thousands of people have just gotten lucky?
To the other question of having a half inch wondering if you need more? If you have a half inch, I'd do one more bucket and make it an even inch. It will be two years before you have to replace half of it, then a half every year. another $30 in two years shouldnt be too much of a wallet strain.