Testing Refugium Part III : Taking Chaeto to the Next Level | BRStv Investigates

The wait is over! Today on BRStv Investigates, Ryan is giving you the results for the third installment of the Chaeto refugium test and provides a look into the future of what comes next for this investigation!
Today on BRStv, we have a brand new episode for our series, BRStv Investigates. In this series we explore popular reefing theories, products, methods, and what the manuals are missing, with a focus on putting them to the test!
Check out THESE refugium lights! brs.li/Fuge_Lig...
With the initial test complete, we realized just how effective a refugium with chaetomorpha macro algae could be at removing nutrients from your tank! In this test, we put them in a "real world" setup and tested their ability to keep nuisance algae from the main display.
In this episode, we also preview what the future of this test looks like and it may surprise you what our plans are! Stay tuned!
So follow along as we close out this evolution of the Chaeto test and preview what's coming up in the next test, as we try to help you make reefing a bit more fun and easy!
We release new BRStv Investigates episodes every Friday so be sure to subscribe!
See you next time on BRStv!
Legal Stuff
The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications as presented in the video. Aquatic Sales Solutions, Inc. and its officers, directors, employees and agents disclaim all express or implied warranties, in any way, related to the products and their application as presented in this video, make no representation or warranty regarding the products and the application as presented in this video and shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages of any type, including but not limited to punitive damages, or from personal injury or death resulting from or in any manner related to the video, and the products in and contents of the video. The viewer expressly agrees that Aquatic Sales Solutions, Inc. and its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products in and content of the video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.

[@davidmiller5832]

I just got into the hobby 3 months ago. I've been using your videos as my primary source to educate myself of this Very complex hobby. Your videos has made the hobby very enjoyable by explaining (and showing) exactly what we are trying to achieve and why methods are done the way they are. You guys certainly are the standard. Thanks So much for all the research and efforts you guys do for the entire reefing community!!

[@WTBMrGrey]

Same as, Ryan is my go to videos for anything fish keeping related. Just really wish they were based in the UK

[@webmannycom]

Amazing work Ryan and team. Just so you know, this is the only channel that I watch religiously as soon as I see a video notification. Thank you for all the analysis and testing you guys do to help the hobby get easier and better,

[@xanderjones2747]

Been loving this series and how you guys perform these tests for all our benefit.

[@Psymon234]

Very exited to see you embracing Triton and giving it a real test on your BRS 160. I have been running the Triton method for just under a year and am having great results! I have a 100 Gal system, and about 30% of that is refugium, chaeto and other mixed algaes I could buy. I think Tritons success is really focusing on the large refugium setup and encourage others who are setting up even a normal reef tank to max out their refuge as much as possible. Im loving the NO Water changes with Triton.

[@christopherstaron2583]

I enjoy science-based testing. Good work

[@RyanS2023]

Excellent video and experiment. Thank you BRS!

[@CompaCanelo]

Im so ready ... lets do this.

[@anthonyfairthorne380]

Big thumbs up from me on this video, fantastic information and great to have more than just hearsay and rumour. Looking forward to seeing more on this!

[@Bronx19]

This is gold BRS. Real meat and potato stuff. I'm looking to upgrade soon and will be keeping a close eye on the Triton method. It must be tough to pull the Zeo off a pristine tank.

[@Reject06]

when you said, on the BRS160....i slammed that like button!! so pumped up about this one as only the insane put a sick ass tank to the test an investigation. awesome job as always!

[@alexkama4834]

Great video, Yes it makes sense the water change method is an old method.

[@jamesgreen9372]

Thanks for the video and series. This is a great resource for us novices !

[@wolfmanjack3451]

As always I get a wealth of information from BRS! Time to set up a fuge!

[@enslavedplants1247]

Never thought I'd be enjoying a video about algae so much.

[@DanielHJeffery]

Love your videos! THANK YOU for helping build the reefing community and expand our knowledge! Your videos help people keep healthier reef tanks, allowing us, and our livestock, to enjoy reefing more.

[@tb4368]

Well done Ryan and the brs team, your methodical approach produces results that are hard to deny! I am looking forward to the next video in this series. Keep up the good work, and find a way to remove water changes from my weekly maintenance! -T

[@quinniamquinniam9437]

My favorite series on youtube

[@jahhoeva8720]

Great update BRS!

[@LucidComposureUk]

Fantastic video! Been waiting for this for months!!!

[@coralinealgae]

Another great video loaded with useful information. I'll be upping my refugium lighting ASAP. Thanks BRS.

[@rockylord7507]

Amazing how a light can change so much ...would love to have a h380 for my fuge.love how your videos go in so much detail..look forward to seeing the triton method ...

[@Dougie085]

And you were right, this video came very quickly after I asked haha! The triton method is exactly why I'm interested in a refugium. Can't wait for the next video featuring it. Also I don't think the triton method are THAT expensive when you factor in the savings on salt and other nutrients you would of bought anyways.

[@wazza9089]

As always, love your work. Good luck with the no water changes, will be watching with great interest

[@miamireefer4050]

Awesome video 👌👌 I can't wait to see the results on the Brs 160!

[@patrickp588]

I know i said this before but, it would really be cool to have a video on types of macro algae and the ultimate display refugium. As well with lighting tips and trace supplement discussion i.e. iron, etc.

[@almostsane9]

Awesome information, thank you for your research! I would also be interested to see how small of a refugium will give low nutrient results. Very excited to see how the Triton method works out.

[@T33tjt33]

I have had an idea for a test for you to perform for us reefers. We all know that sending a water sample off to Triton gives us a precise account of out tank water, however what about sending samples of freshly made water from each of the different makes of salt to see which brand or brands actually provide, A) water containing what the manufacturer states it does and B) if the salt mixes contain all the elements we need for healthy coral growth and in the correct proportions. I doubt any of the salt manufacturers would be happy with this form of scientific testing on behalf of the consumers and I sincerely hope you consider doing this for our benefit.

[@nicolerobison5713]

Wew

[@nicolerobison5713]

We

[@gbj6581]

Awsome. Look forward to seeing the triton method being played out on the brs160 and seeing the results of the icp test at this stage of the tank.

[@ScottM]

Definite thumbs up on this video and also looks like my tank and channel will be taking a good look at Triton.

[@ScottM]

BulkReefSupplyCom definitely

[@umsanjur]

Looking through videos and reading comments, I think it has already been requested; I too would like to see a test on Cheatomorpha vs. Algae Scrubbers (and the pros and cons for each). Thanks BRS!

[@saltwaterdrew]

Great video! I love the "lab" work you guys do, so incredibly informative.

[@siggyincr7447]

Another thing that can be done to increase the competitiveness of the refugium for the nitrates and phosphates is to run the effluent of a calcium reactor through it before releasing it to the main display. The excess CO2 would give a the 'fuge algae a significant boost.

[@tracydoll7910]

Fantastic job! Thanks for all your hard work :)

[@vinnyvici2835]

Great job as always.

[@CWJameson]

Thank you Ryan for doing this video, The information it provides help me figure out how im going to build my next tank.

[@SpamJavelinIV]

I ran a triton tank in the uk and loved it. Currently without a tank but will be the method I use to re set up. Someone in the comments below was saying that they use the water change Tim to syphon sand etc. My only recommendation would be if u wish to clean sand I used to just ad a filter sock to my sump temporarily and syphon straight from dt into sump through sock removing detritus but never the water.

[@SpamJavelinIV]

Also I consider the only method to be able to sustain multiple mandarins. A plus I'm sure for anyone. Lol.

[@myreeflife7072]

I'm about to start a refugium. I'm excited! Thanks for all the info!

[@christianjones722]

brilliant. thanks BRS

[@JP-kr6lm]

Have you guys explored algae scrubbers yet? It would definitely be interesting to see a scrubber vs. refugium vs. reactor investigation. Thanks!

[@reeftankmicroscopy1781]

Great work guys! Always applying scientific methods in the right way!

[@ryanw9691]

Ryan - Great video and thanks for doing this. I love the experiments to help us figure out what really works.

[@gbj6581]

Please Investigate Chaetomorpha VS an Algae Scrubber : ) I am debating one or the other and if I should choose one over the other and which is better at managing nutrient export etc etc...

[@rae9476]

i have a refugium and i love it. dont skimp on lights and a little rock for the critters. i do a water change every once in a while but its not a major part of my schedual.... more if can be bothered and only if im doing a clean in the sump

[@BRStv]

Great point about the light. It's amazing the difference a purpose built refugium light makes!

[@michaellawton6043]

Great video. Looking forward to seeing the results. I have a refugium and my phosphates are always zero. Should be interesting.

[@ghiapower3908]

great video!

[@subfamous]

I wish you would have tested the hang on back with the tunze fuge light. Does that light carry enough pur?

[@Quepiid]

I been waiting for this!!!!

[@linarestribe]

I would have liked to see an algae reactor tested too. Great results either way.

[@IS-db6pn]

Very curious in seeing how you transition from Zeovit to Tritton and what that process entails. How long do you wait from stopping Zeovit to starting Tritton? What sort of chemical changes will occur in the 160? Do you implement all Tritton components at once? How will corals manage those changes? Very interesting. It's definitely a shift in perspective since a good water change schedule has been recommended so much by BRStv in the past as part of good maintenance. I also would like to know if Tritton can be implemented through a chaeto reactor instead of a refugium for those of us with limited space in the sump.

[@Buddy1927gaming]

Can not wait for the Triton Method to see how it in real world test.

[@TattooedDancer91]

Finally it's here! Now imagine what those tanks would look like if the fish weren't overfed :D I think it's already been proven that refugiums alone are enough to reduce nutrinets and algae. I'm interested in the light schedule you used. How many hours of light in display and in refugiums?

[@badboyoak]

I really love the experiments. That y'all are doing. I am excited about trying the Triton method.

[@twilightgardenspresentatio6384]

I remember being called an idiot when I began to announce I did no water changes - I learned to keep quiet guilt for doing what I saw worked.

[@hallelujah2581]

This is why I buy my stuff from you guys. Great job. Too bad I don't have any space for a refugium on my Red Sea Reefer 170. :(

[@TerraReef]

BRS is awesome as is Triton!

[@LuLadvocat]

Would help if Triton products were available for sale 😁... at this point it isn’t reliable, you buy one month and runs out for another three until it’s available again... great video, thanks for all you do for the community!

[@jesperbbb]

This will be interesting, I have used triton for over a year now and it works great! The the most important for me no water changes for over a year now :)

[@mistersixtynine7399]

Brilliant video! I dose ATI essentials, coupled with a fuge, skimmer and phosphate reactor will I be able to reduce/eliminate WCs?

[@jacobchrem2536]

You guys are amazing

[@dannyblackwell2426]

another great video thanks Ryan. one thing, once the Chaeto is ready to be thrown away like you say and you replace it with a new batch of Chaeto won't the nitreates rise alittle till the Chaeto is at a level to start to stop nitreates ??

[@dannyblackwell2426]

ok great thanks :)

[@josephgranata13]

Another important variable that I think still requires demystifying is how flow through the refugium affects the nutrient export... there seem to be a lot of opinions online. Any plans to test this out?

[@reefgeek_pr5785]

Why you didn't test the par 38 refugium light ? In the first part it prove to be a great alternative of light.

[@WTBMrGrey]

Fantastic watch as usual, really wish you added a algea reactor in the test aswell though 🤣

[@sambloomfield5757]

Hi are you keeping your nitrates and phosphates down in your 52 week build tank now with the refugium and is it just the refugium keep them down and what are the levels of nitrate and phosphate now please thanks for the great videos

[@xxoczukxx]

How long did you guys keep the fuge lights on each day?

[@trureef2319]

Yea I definitely use it. I would love 2 of those a360s light. shimmer is amazing.

[@AS-qi7iu]

Would you recommend a fuge or skimmer on a 28 gallon tank with 4 fish? Really want a fuge but only have room for one and I want the best for the fish.

[@dereks3207]

i would love to see a test between the Kessil light and other LED lights that have the growth spectrum lighting (all reds or most red, some blue) like the chaetomax by IM, or even just a cheapo red grow LED fixture off of amazon.

[@unluckyeddy7966]

Been putting my tank on hold for years, hopefully soon I'll be able to build the tank that I want.

[@UnfilteredJustice]

I wish you guys would've added the Skimz Algae Reactor to this test. It's a newer, less messy, way of growing chaeto for nutrient control without needing a massive fuge to do it in. Btw... Are you guys getting more of the Skimz reactors in anytime soon? We had a big discussion on reef2reef about algae reactors, and how they work great, with almost 9,000 views.

[@chrism4673]

What happened to the rest of this study on actual reef tanks? Did this test fail? Really great science until it abruptly ended?

[@maddawgzzzz]

I have a 300, growing mad cheato, skimmer, auto dosing and using gfo/carbon sometimes. Never had to do a water change since I started the system. Amazing. I feel the urge to start doing 10 gallons every few weeks, but I simple cant justify it with my current water quater. It just dosnt need it. I also feed heavy, have to keep the tangs fat and healthy, My red sea sailfin is almost the size of a small dog.

[@bujachung9601]

How are your corals reacting to this?

[@maddawgzzzz]

@@bujachung9601 Still havnt done a water change... lets just say they love stable water and thats key. 60 gallon cheato sump the water pumps through. I empty half every 3 weeks.

[@SycoticRealm]

So basically we need to match the lighting we run on our corals in our refuge. So basically all the stuff companies claim about lights for the fuge are a straight lie. Very interesting stuff.

[@dannybski9620]

Are those larger pH swings of the stronger lights something to worry about?

[@basspanda21]

Well that's unfortunate. I purchased an H80 as my 80g's refugium light. My plan was to introduce the chaeto before algae gets a hold in my tank but it looks like it might not be enough in the long run.

[@fedpay3408]

We need the part 4 with ATS/UTS. I switched from chaeto to Upper Turf Scrubber and algae from main display disappeared forever.

[@inventoryking]

So if we are to have a higher par on the refugium section vs the display, that will assist in low to no algae in the display?

[@BRStv]

The refugium will definitely help out compete algae in the display. How well it performs really depends on the size of the refugium and lighting setup.

[@gn9285]

Great info!! I have used a 60 watt led bulb and a GFO reactor in the past with bad results, the chaeto breaks apart and turns to mush. I have seen slightly better growth without running GFO with it. If I invest in a H380 refugium light, should I turn off the GFO reactor?

[@NavyTom91]

are you going to test the algae reactors and the DIY models?

[@oceantank4424]

Great video

[@sharkfacelol6674]

Hey Ryan, I’m creating a 120 gallon reef tank. I want to dedicate around 40 gallons to my fuge. Just wondering if I should include carbon filters and skimmers as a part of my filtration system. Can I have too much filtration for a new tank ? Looking to over - do a setup without worrying about adding more to it later. Or is that a far fetched idea ? Thanks.

[@CescaTheDarkHorse]

Nice video with some good information :)

[@MoneyMarcMes]

You still need to do water changes to clean out detritus that builds up and to remove the yellow water. I don't think it's possible to completely stop water changes.

[@daviddhk3690]

Hi Brs , Thank you for your informative video ! GREAT WORK ! Just wanted to ask about the set up of the sump. Should the refug section be first, follow by skimmer section or skimmer section to refug section? Thanks ! Dave

[@matthewray5954]

Was there a test number 2 to this experiment? I can only find test 1 and test 3.

[@zakdigital]

Now if only there was a method for nano tanks without room for a refugium ...! I'm trying the inline-w-pump-chaeto reactor wrapped w/ led grow light solution now.

[@MT-jf1tn]

Great video you rock this time!! Can I have the kessel 😊 after you done with your test

[@rngtactics3208]

Would it be the same results for a chaetomorpha reactor

[@erikperna]

What was the light cycle for both the refuge light and display tank?

[@pscusimano]

Ryan, Interesting and informative! However, it might just be a cost swap between mixing buckets of salt water and the Triton method depending on the cost of the additives when compared to the cost of the salt mix, of course, this highly depends on the brand of salt mix you're using (inexpensive Vs top of the line). That said, I'd rather eliminate the water changes altogether. Looking forward to the next part!

[@pscusimano]

Agreed probably will cost more. However, I do agree with the concept of saving lots of time and more time to enjoy our reef aquariums? That's something you can really put a valve on. I find this concept very interesting. I will continue to watch with great anticipation. It may even be a way to start a new system from the start.

[@justinrasmussen8325]

Right after watching this I got an email that I won the A360 from the last raffle. Thanks BRS! 😁

[@merxion]

AWESOME!

[@thomaswhudson]

This is great info!

[@BobChiller]

algae scrubber test please.

[@shrubberiesinperil26]

could you do one with a cheato reactor

[@NWAOcean]

are you guys planning to keep or remove the Skimmer off of the BR160?

[@AnasAnsari-lo8tq]

What if in refugium grow only hair algae.will it serve the purpose?

[@paularamos5648]

I just finished the cycle. Now thinking about the refug. Should I wait for pets to go in or start the refugium thx johnny do rite

[@BRStv]

A refugium is an extremely effective filter for your tank, but if you don't have fish or you're not adding food then your refugium might not have the nutrients it needs to fuel growth. We like to wait a bit after adding fish to start the fuge, so it has a food source to grow. :)

[@swizyop4250]

Would recommend I get the Kessil A80 tuna blue LED light for my 10g Nuvo? I'm also getting a couple soft corals