Refugium methods?

[diadema]

What's the latest school of thought on which refugium method is most efficient in removing nitrates?
Mangroves?
DSB? (I have a shallow bed in the display)
Macros ; if so, which kind?
Xenia ; if so, which kind?
I'm looking for something that requires the least light. Space is not a concern, I can add plenty of volume if needed. I just want an efficient way of keeping the nitrates in check.

 

[bang guy]

This is the order in my opinion providing space isn't an issue:
1 - DSB - Does not remove Phosphate though
2 - Macro Algae
3 - Xenia - require more light but not as much space
4 - Mangroves - Not good at removing nutrients IMO

 

[nm reef]

My personal preference is a combination of a DSB with as much diversity as possible and a active assortment of macro algaes for nutrient export.I also keep maybe 50-60 lbs of mature LR in mine. Currently mine has primarily chaeto...but in the past I've used caulperas with success.

 

[diadema]

thank you both.
Based on ruling out mangroves, my plan is to now run a DSB with macroalgae in a 100 gallon tub with a 30 or 50 gallon Xenia running seperately.
Any advantage to running both xenia and macros? (besides LFS tradein value)?

 

[bang guy]

They will eventually compete and one or the other will have to go. Not until your nutrients are down to zero though. Could be a good plan to use both until that happens.
The Xenia will eventually lose.

 

[streetdoc]

FIW I've had great results with my red mangroves. My skimmer is producing much less skimmate since the addition of 6 of them. I have read about other people having good luck with them as well. I am currently having a new fuge/sump built with an area that is large enough for several more as well as an area for Macros and a few smaller pieces of LR. I have had the best luck using several methods.

 

[diadema]

Originally posted by Bang Guy
They will eventually compete and one or the other will have to go. Not until your nutrients are down to zero though. Could be a good plan to use both until that happens.
The Xenia will eventually lose.
good to know. Let's assume I'm at 0 nitrates, and both are growing (xenia and macros) and being harvested regularly, if the xenia starts to slow down is there something I could add, supplement wise to keep the xenia thriving.
IE: shut down the pumps to the rest of the system every few days and spike the xenia tank with some cyclopeeze?

 

[bang guy]

If the Xenia stops spreading then it's starving. I'd suggest removing more macro algae instead of adding nutrients.

 

[diadema]

got it.
That - or periodically shut off the skimmer? (assuming gas exchange is still adequate)