Algae turf scrubber vs Protein skimmer or both

[Bolingsw]

Hello all,

I have seen several articles about algae turf scrubbers. In some of the articles there is mention of not having to use a protein skimmer after the scrubber is up and running. What are your thoughts pros and cons. I am building a new tank set up and I am considering a algae scrubber.

 

[Feet4Fish]

It could be possible to run a system on an ATS alone. Depends largely on type of system and nutrient goals. Would be fine to start that way with a contingency plan on your next move if ATS wasn’t providing all the filtration you need. Both help with gas exchange so it’s a wash from that standpoint.

 

[eea60123]

I run both on my 220. I guess the I’m stuck in the past with my skimmer but I figure that the benefit of gas exchange, organic waste removal, and visible results are too good to give up. I purchased a scrubber mainly to assist my skimmer and make sure I have clean water for my fish. You don’t have to run a skimmer to have success but there are a lot of variables to consider. It may also take weeks to get your scrubber growing. It took me around 6 weeks before I got anything.

 

[BurgerFish]

Both. If something die at morning when scrubber is off, your tank will be 12h without filtration.
Skimmer offer some level of waste removal 24h and oxyginate the water.

 

[theMeat]

Skimmer takes out proteins before they enter the nitrogen cycle.
Ats takes out mostly the end game of the nitrogen cycle in form of nitrate and phosphate around 4 to 1.
Skimmer also aerates big time.

 

[ca1ore]

Skimmer takes out proteins before they enter the nitrogen cycle.
Ats takes out mostly the end game of the nitrogen cycle in form of nitrate and phosphate around 4 to 1.

Exactly. Use both as they attack nutrients in different ways.

 

[SantaMonica]

I have a great name for "organics before they break down"... coral food