Further discussion about filtration methodologies

[Anonymous]

first of all thanks for splitting this off.

I will try to just state my experience so that the tit for tat is eliminated.

I just hope that eventually one can simply state that starting a refugium as the first thing is every bit as effective for newbies to establish a new system as any of the man made filtering systems.

 

[HClH2OFish]

And everyone here will agree with that.
The issue we've had is the advice that skimmers/RODI, etc. are unneccessary expenses that should be avoided and instead go the macro route. That's simply not true for the majority of new reefers, and can (will) lead to system crashes.

Just my HO

 

[tinyreef]

bob,
i don't think people are disagreeing that fuges can be as effective. i think the issue is the difficulty-level people are assigning to algae scrubbing (let's call it what it is) versus traditional mechanical/chemical filtration.

it's your opinion that the scrubbing is easier and more effective. fine. but it's your opinion just as everyone else is saying traditional methods are easier and that's their opinions.

now altho i'd tend to agree with the others, i'll also concede that scrubbing has been very effective for me in the past as it seems to be for you. but the difficulty in finding the correct lighting, flow, and plant life to make/tune an effective scrubber is imho a little more difficult than going into petco (gasp) and picking up an overpriced skimmer/filter/etc. for the average beginner.

i don't think people have been disagreeing with the effectiveness of your methods (it seems they'd like photographic proof tho) but they seem concerned about your statements in NRF. scrubbing isn't turnkey imo, while setting up a hob, filter cartridge, and skimmer are pretty 'out-of-the-box'. jmo

 

[Anonymous]

I appreciate all those comments.

I just think that newbies have no problem growing algae is all.

And an in tank refugium for $10 is really really difficult to box up and sell in aquarium stores. Because it is too easy to understand.

 

[tinyreef]

I just think that newbies have no problem growing algae is all.

those ain't the type you necessarily would want tho, bob. :wink:

 

[HClH2OFish]

I can see how you'd think a $10 solution would be the reason why you don't see it in stores.

I think that if this system were easier/more proven for a majority, there would be a plethora of systems in all price ranges.

Heck, how hard is it to make a DIY overflow compared to the $50-$100 for some of em?

If it's a sellable item, someone is gonna make it...

 

[Anonymous]

I can see how you'd think a $10 solution would be the reason why you don't see it in stores.

Because they are $10 solutions.

I think that if this system were easier/more proven for a majority, there would be a plethora of systems in all price ranges.

Not when $300 can be made on other successful systems. And if that success requires more effort and produces more sales so much the better. People that visit the house and see my tanks are absolutely amazed that my FW have not been cleaned in months. And also that all the tank including the salt do not need water changes. After all they have been told filters, cleaning, waterchange etc etc etc are just part of having a tank.

Heck, how hard is it to make a DIY overflow compared to the $50-$100 for some of em?

Lot harder than an egg crate cut to size. I bought an overflow because I 1) didn't know how and 2) the $80 was worth to newbie me

If it's a sellable item, someone is gonna make it...

If it is a profitable item then someone is gonna make it. And in order to make a profit on small volumn items there must be a considerable markup and extra expense in marketing the smaller units.