Natural Reef Tank Filtration: What's The Difference Between Algae Turf Scrubbers & Refugiums?
For reef aquarium enthusiasts, maintaining pristine water quality is paramount. Use algae as a means of natural filtration has become a very popular option because it's low maintenance and highly effective. Within the world of natural algal filtration, there are two specific approaches that have become the technique of choice for saltwater hobbyists: Refugiums and Turf Scrubbers.
What is a Refugium?
A refugium is a separate compartment or tank linked to a main aquarium and is primarily used to provide a safe haven for beneficial organisms. In a refugium, you can cultivate macroalgae, small invertebrates, and other microorganisms that can be sensitive to the conditions in the main tank. The primary function of a refugium is to improve water quality by naturally filtering pollutants via the growth of macroalgae and adding biodiversity that helps stabilize the ecosystem. Because the macroalgae is photosynthetic, you also get the added benefit of CO2 uptake and pH stabilization as a result.
Benefits of a Refugium:
- Natural Filtration: Macroalgae, such as Chaetomorpha and Caulerpa, absorb nitrates and phosphates, reducing these common pollutants in the main tank.
- Biodiversity: Supports a range of organisms that can benefit feeding habits and health of fish and coral in the main aquarium.
- Nutrient Export: Regular harvesting of macroalgae from the refugium can effectively remove the absorbed nutrients from the system altogether.
What is a Turf Algae Scrubber?
A turf algae scrubber harnesses the filtering capabilities of turf algae grown on a screen or other surfaces exposed to intense lighting. Water flows over this algae-covered surface, allowing the algae to absorb nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates directly from the water, thereby purifying it before it is recirculated back into the tank. The rate of algae growth can be controlled using flow and, therefore, makes it possible to fine-tune the rate of nutrient export. Just like a refugium, this photosynthetic algae will uptake CO2 and help stabilize pH in the process.
Benefits of a Turf Algae Scrubber:
- Efficiency: Turf algae grows quickly and can remove pollutants faster than macroalgae in a refugium.
- Space-saving: Algae scrubbers can be installed externally or on the back of the tank, requiring less space than a typical refugium.
- Control: Provides easier control over nutrient levels as algae growth and its removal rate can be easily observed and adjusted.
Differences Between Refugium and Turf Algae Scrubber
While both systems aim to control nutrients within reef aquariums, their approaches and benefits differ significantly:
- Complexity: A refugium can be more complex to set up and maintain, requiring additional space and integration into your sump or filtration system. In contrast, algae scrubbers are generally more compact, mounted externally, and just easier to integrate into an existing reef aquarium.
- Type of Nutrient Removal: Refugia not only help with nutrient removal but also contribute to water clarity and overall stability by fostering a diverse ecosystem. Algae scrubbers focus primarily on aggressive nutrient removal.
- Ecosystem Impact: Refugia can enhance the natural biodiversity of an aquarium system, offering refuge and additional food sources for various aquarium inhabitants. Scrubbers are less impactful on the biological diversity but are effective at controlling specific nutrient levels.
- Setup: A turf scrubber will take a few weeks to establish and begin removing nutrients while a refugium will start removing nutrients right away (as soon as macroalgae is added and begins to grow).
Choosing Between a Refugium and an Algae Scrubber
The choice between using a refugium or an algae scrubber often depends on the specific needs of your aquarium:
- Space Considerations: If space is limited, an algae scrubber might be the better choice. Especially if your sump does not have a dedicated refugium chamber built in.
- Biodiversity Goals: For aquarists interested in cultivating a rich, diverse biological environment, a refugium may be preferable.
- Maintenance Preferences: Those looking for a lower-maintenance option may lean towards an algae scrubber, which requires less upkeep than a refugium.
- Cost: Algae scrubbers require a pump and plumbing to install but usually include lighting. While there are hang-on style refugiums available, the most streamlined refugiums are built right into the sump which means you don't need a separate pump. Lighting is required for a refugium too and is general sold separately.
Ultimately, both systems have their place in the world of reef aquariums. By understanding the differences and benefits of each, you can better decide which filtration method will help you achieve a healthier, more vibrant aquarium. Whether you choose a refugium or a turf algae scrubber, both are effective tools in the quest for the perfect reef ecosystem.
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