are algae reactors worth it compared to atss?

I have a L4 HF rev 3 ATS scrubber and it works great but I need at least one more or a L8. Due to space restrictions I tried an Algae reactor (ClearTides), it didn't work well, I made some modifications (Light & Flow), Worked better but not well. I made a bigger DIY algae reactor, no luck, I...