Running without a fuge???

[gibson981]

How many people out there have a reef tank without a fuge? I currently have a 90 gallon mixed reef with a 29 gallon tank underneath for the sump. The sump is laid out with skimmer/intake first, fuge next, and return last. I have chaeto in the fuge, but it doesn't grow very much at all. I've tried different lighting options, but nothing helps. Nitrates and ammonia are zero. Phosphates are zero most of the time, barely detectable other times. So, nothing to feed the chaeto. So, now I'm thinking about removing the fuge, since it isn't doing much for me anyway, so I can have more room for equipment in the skimmer intake section and a bigger return. Just to let everyone know, I am slowly removing the sand from my display so I can run it as a bare bottom in about 10-12 months from now. That being said, will I end up really needing a fuge? How does everyone out there run there systems? Pictures would be cool too.

[cloak]

Here's a little food for thought.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1483269&perpage=25&pagenumber=3

[username in use]

Have you considered the possibility that your readings are zero because of the chaeto? And if so, removing it might be detrimental.

[gibson981]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15063939#post15063939 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by username in use
Have you considered the possibility that your readings are zero because of the chaeto? And if so, removing it might be detrimental.

But then, wouldn't the chaeto be growing because of it? I could be wrong, but I was thinking that my readings are zero because of the skimmer and the media reactors I am running (GAC and GFO).

[ludnix]

Did you try the 5100k bulb?

[gibson981]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15064065#post15064065 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ludnix
Did you try the 5100k bulb?

No. I am currently running a 6500k LED bulb. In the past, I have run mostly PC's, anywhere from 9-18 watt.

[Ehaze]

I am going sandless all over, no fuge, just a sump.