Refugium Vs Protein skimmer.....or both?

[noobie24]

Hey guys still doing a lot of research before I set up my first ever reef tank. One of the main problems Im having is choosing between a refugium sump or a protein skimmer...or adding both of them. The tank I am going to set up will be a biocube 29 with some mods. It will be stocked with mostly lps coral and some fish with a clc. I was wondering what would be the best for my tank... I know having both would benefit my tank, but after looking at about 1000 different sumps built by other people it looks a little challenging for a beginner. With that being said I am leaning towards just having a protein skimmer in the tank. I have seen other videos where people have made the middle chamber into a small fuge. Now for some reason I cannot find any of those videos..

 

I need some opinions on this topic.

 

Also if anyone has made their own fuge for a biocube I would love the specs to that, or if you now where I could find any.

 

Thanks

[dr1271]

I have Innovative's 30 gallon with the two overflows. I converted the right side to a refugium using the JBJ nano light. I had that running for about 3 months and could tell a little better water parameters and clarity. I just recently added Innovative's protein skimmer and instantly could see a huge difference in water quality. Polyp extension has improved as well.

 

IMO going with a the center channel converted to refugium would be the best bet for the biocubes.

 

[TristanC]

Both would obviously be best, but if you can't I'd go with a skimmer. Just my opinion.

[skimlessinseattle]

Skimmers and refugiums work great together IME. Get your skimmer chamber in the sump sized just right to maximze refugium space.

[dtitus1]

You also want to have the skimmer placed behind your fuge to minimize how many pods it's sucking up.