Quote:
Originally Posted by
1guyDude http:///t/388895/saltwater-newbie/20#post_3433592
protein skimmers take out nutrients and unwanted things such as phosphates and animal fecies before theyre broken down into nitrates and nitrites. Its the mechanical way of doing it. Where as a refugium/algae turf scrubber does it by absorbing! If uve ever seen a beach with the tide coming in and out, u see the foam build up on the edge of the water. Its usually brown and nasty and full of gunk, this is just like a protein skimmer! The compounds actually stick to the bubbles and as the bubbles go up into the collection cup, they are caught and collected. Fuges are the more natural way kinda.
IMO running a reef tank with out one is not an option.
Protein skimmers take out nutrients such as uneaten food, animal feces, and detritus before they are broken down into nitrate and phosphate. It's a mechanical way of doing it. Where as a refugium/algae scrubber does it by absorbing nitrate and phosphate and leaving the coral food.
IMO running a reef tank without either form of filtration is not an option.
Where did you get nitrite from?