Fly and Christian. Do either of you have a fuge? If so why run the algae reactor? Just another piece of equipment, more lights and power consumption to do the same thing you're already doing in the fuge. So instead of more growth in it your just having two half sized nutrient extraction points.
And if you think the reactor is really helping wouldn't you consider that your fuge isn't adequately set up to operate efficiently? Everything I ever read about scrubbers is you don't want the competition in growth to the screen except for maybe a skimmer to remove solid particulate. Thus the reason most remove their scrubber because they don't see the growth they think they should and figure they don't work and so get a bad rap at being efficient nutrient removers. When in reality it's poor set up and design being they are scaled to nutrients added, not size of tank.
I read a lot about skimmers in the past as well as current. The idea bigger is better doesn't seem to jive either. That's why they come with gallon ratings. If they didn't it would be one size fits all.
But to borrow a one time reefers statement. What do I know? I'm just a dummy(Truck driver). Adding with several successful aquariums over the years. Yes with struggles but never calling it quits.
You'll never see conversations like this on RC where people, locals, discuss reefing topics. Just what's for sale.