Comparison
Refugium vs Algae turf scrubber
Refugiums vs algae turf scrubbers compared on N/P removal, footprint, lighting cost, copepod production, and maintenance. Both export nitrogen and phosphorus via algae growth — but they're not equivalent.
The contenders
Side A
Refugium
Chaeto / macro algae in sump section
Side B
Algae turf scrubber
Light + screen + flow
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | Refugium | Algae turf scrubber |
|---|---|---|
N + P removal mechanism | Macroalgae growth (chaetomorpha) | Turf algae growth on screen |
Typical footprint | Sump section, 8–20 gal | Screen + chamber, 6×12 in to 12×24 in |
Light source | Refugium LED (Kessil H80, Tunze, AI Fuge) | High-output LED strips (red + blue) |
Maintenance | Trim chaeto weekly to fortnightly | Clean screen weekly — every week |
Side benefit: pod production | Yes — major source of copepods | Minimal — turf surface isn't ideal pod habitat |
Side benefit: pH buffering | Yes — runs reverse photoperiod | Yes — same mechanism |
Risk: algae release back to tank | Low (contained chaeto ball) | Low (turf grows on screen) |
Risk: outcompeting display algae? | Yes — that's the goal | Yes — that's the goal |
Which one for which situation
Mixed reef, sump-equipped, want pod-rich water
Pick: Refugium
Refugium produces copepods continuously. Mandarins, dragonets, scooter blennies thrive.
No sump (AIO tank), want export anyway
Pick: Algae turf scrubber
Turf scrubbers can hang on the back of an AIO. Refugiums need sump space you don't have.
Phosphate problem (>0.1 ppm) you can't resolve
Pick: Algae turf scrubber
Scrubbers tend to outpace refugiums on P uptake per liter of footprint.
Lazy maintainer, wants set-and-forget
Pick: Refugium
Chaeto trimming is monthly-tolerant. Scrubber screen cleaning is weekly-mandatory.
Frag tank, ULNS approach (Triton-style)
Pick: Neither
Both work but Triton's full method skips macroalgae entirely. Pick by what fits your overall regime.
Where to buy
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Related calculators & references
Sources & references
- 01Reefs.com — Refugia explainedhttps://reefs.com/magazine/refugia-what-they-are-and-why-you-need-one/
- 02Algae Scrubber Basics (algaescrubber.net)https://www.algaescrubber.net/forums/showthread.php?9-Algae-Scrubber-Basics
Last reviewed