Algae scrubber and skimmer--use 1 or both?

[Spanky05]

I currently run a skimmer as my main source of nutrient export.

I recently purchased an algae scrubber. I know every tank is unique but I was curious as to the general consensus:

Is it redundant/overkill to run a skimmer and algae scrubber? I had assumed I would use the skimmer mainly for gas exchange and the scrubber for nutrient export but now I'm considering just running the scrubber.

Was curious to arguments on both sides. Thanks!

 

[Quietman]

Not redundant at all. Skimmers remove contaminants and biologics that scrubbers do not. You can run a tank with either run (people have) but I really like the idea of having a skimmer and scrubber. Skimmers again, pull other stuff than scrubber and will typically pull faster, scrubber can directly remove nutrients which skimmer can't. Think they complement each other very nicely.

 

[BGrand]

Personally I use both. Weekly I still get skim-mate to clean out of the skimmer. I scrape the algae scrubber screen bi-weekly. I have been told by other saltwater tank owners that my tank has amazingly clear water. I also do a 10% weekly water change. I can tell you that the 54 gallon tank is clean enough that the turbo snails have worked their way down to only have 4 in there for my clean up crew and I use the sponge side of the flipper once a week on the glass.

 

[Spanky05]

Personally I use both. Weekly I still get skim-mate to clean out of the skimmer. I scrape the algae scrubber screen bi-weekly. I have been told by other saltwater tank owners that my tank has amazingly clear water. I also do a 10% weekly water change. I can tell you that the 54 gallon tank is clean enough that the turbo snails have worked their way down to only have 4 in there for my clean up crew and I use the sponge side of the flipper once a week on the glass.

Do you run any mechanical filtration like filter floss or socks?

Just curious as I'm thinking about my current setup and what I could remove to make installing my scrubber easier. I'm kind of cramped for space!

 

[Spanky05]

Not redundant at all. Skimmers remove contaminants and biologics that scrubbers do not. You can run a tank with either run (people have) but I really like the idea of having a skimmer and scrubber. Skimmers again, pull other stuff than scrubber and will typically pull faster, scrubber can directly remove nutrients which skimmer can't. Think they complement each other very nicely.

Thanks for the input! I'm definitely not an expert so wasn't sure if running both would be closer to the norm or if one or the other is adequate.

 

[BGrand]

Do you run any mechanical filtration like filter floss or socks?

Just curious as I'm thinking about my current setup and what I could remove to make installing my scrubber easier. I'm kind of cramped for space!

I have a 54 corner so I completely understand the lack the space in the cabinet. I have included a picture of my setup. The picture is a little older and doesn't show the two new Ecotech Versa dosing pumps or the ATO. Should probably update my build thread LOL.

Yes I have a sock in my sump, then my second compartment houses my skimmer, scrubber (pump and tubing), ATO hose, and my heater. I have now added two Ecotech versa dosing pumps and have them drip into the third compartment with my return pump.

FYI
I also bought Bluetooth/WiFi outlets on amazon and have my skimmer, scrubber, and both dosing pumps on them. This helps me when I need to pull the cup off the skimmer and the screen our of the scrubber.

 

[Spanky05]

@BGrand Thank you for the picture! Wish I could see everyone's scrubber setup to give me extra ideas!

You do a good job of making use of the space you have. I have a decent amount of siporax in eggcrate in mine so that also limits my space.

This was my setup before I added water (and it actually looked clean!) and my siporax.

Wondering if I'd be able to squeeze a scrubber on that right side. Need to get some measurements and figure it out!

 

[Big E]

In a direct answer to your question use one initially. Skimmers take out particles, detritus, ect. before it breaks down into Po4 and No3. They also take out nutrient laden bacteria that eat PO4 and N03.............so they compete directly with an algae filters food.

I would start with just a skimmer and if your bio-load gets so big that the skimmer can't handle it alone then I'd look to add other export tools............an algae filter is one option or you can carbon dose or use GFO(P04 only)

I have used oversize skimmers alone for years and kept everything in check.

The reason I say to go with a skimmer first is that they will work fine with new tanks that are just getting started and won't die on you due to lack of nutrients.

Imo, a lot of people get in trouble adding both with newer systems as the nutrients are nill and corals starve.

 

[NS Mike D]

you had asked about filter socks, you can also use them. two things, change the filter socks about twice a week before the things start breaking down in them, and
secondly, with any filtration set up, do not loose sight of your objective, hitting your target NO3 and PO4 numbers. So know them first. Filtration has gotten too efficient these days and you see tanks suffering from lack of nutrients that the owners start to dose NO3 and PO4 and/or turning off their skimmers part of the day.


IMO, know why you are adding filtration and don't do so simply because you see others do so

 

[BGrand]

@BGrand Thank you for the picture! Wish I could see everyone's scrubber setup to give me extra ideas!

You do a good job of making use of the space you have. I have a decent amount of siporax in eggcrate in mine so that also limits my space.

This was my setup before I added water (and it actually looked clean!) and my siporax.

Wondering if I'd be able to squeeze a scrubber on that right side. Need to get some measurements and figure it out!

Looks good and clean. Here are some updated pics.