Algae Turf Scrubbers - The next all-in-one solution?

[Knology]

So, I am seeing some pretty incredible evidence that a well made, proper performing, algae scrubber looks to possibly be a solution that can take the place of up to three other solutions we commonly use?

Ok, I am in the middle of a big in-wall 170g build and not coming from any prior equipment. I'm also incorporating a basement fish room. I come from many tanks but lets just say they were all based on a lack of education. This time I'm doing the long haul towards doing it right from the start. I'm looking into all new methods and feedback.

I ran across the latest BRSTV test series on algae scrubbers and the results were impressive. I know that the next series of trails will actually be along the thought process I had that maybe these devices can really compete against a laundry list of prevention in the display tank.

So, I wanted to ask those who have used these devices in the past what they can actually do?

- Pulls nutrients out of the water down to extremely low levels.
- Contains algae in one, controllable, space.
- May even help avoid the ugly phase?

Well, here is my real question.

If these perform this well, would there be less of a need for protein skimmers, UV sterilizers(algae control), and refugiums? Tried and true methods, so I am sure it will spark some conversation, but I have to admit this little ball of supercharged algae and lighting seems to be doing some impressive things.

 

[Halal Hotdog]

I have been running an ATS for 3 years now. I have a waterfall style one, and it does work well. I do not use it as my only nutrient export, I also have a protein skimmer and refugium with chaeto. In general it does work well for nutrient export, especially if the nutrient addition is very consistent. it struggles when I go on coral food benders and add a ton in a short period, eventually it will catch up but takes a few weeks. What I don't like is cleaning the screens every two weeks, which is critical. If you do not clean it regularly it significantly decreases performance. You wouldn't think cleaning would be a big deal, but it is very messy and I hate cleaning it. I will never get rid of it, but will also never rely on it as sole nutrient export. It can take you to very low nutrients, but you have to stay on regular maintenance for it to do that.

 

[ca1ore]

The ATS can work really well. Initially ‘popularized’ in the reef hobby by Walter Adey in the 1990s and some of us adapted his dump-bucket design (his book remains a good read). Been running one ever since. Believe it was SantaMonica who came up with the subsequent waterfall design (mid 2000s maybe). Allows dual sided lighting and it is more space friendly. You certainly can dispense with a skimmer, though both can work synergistically too. Properly sized, an ATS can reduce nutrient levels significantly. I’d not personally run one without also running GAC. Adey’s systems in the DC Smithsonian ended up failing due to yellowing of the water from algal leeching.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

So, I am seeing some pretty incredible evidence that a well made, proper performing, algae scrubber looks to possibly be a solution that can take the place of up to three other solutions we commonly use?

Ok, I am in the middle of a big in-wall 170g build and not coming from any prior equipment. I'm also incorporating a basement fish room. I come from many tanks but lets just say they were all based on a lack of education. This time I'm doing the long haul towards doing it right from the start. I'm looking into all new methods and feedback.

I ran across the latest BRSTV test series on algae scrubbers and the results were impressive. I know that the next series of trails will actually be along the thought process I had that maybe these devices can really compete against a laundry list of prevention in the display tank.

So, I wanted to ask those who have used these devices in the past what they can actually do?

- Pulls nutrients out of the water down to extremely low levels.
- Contains algae in one, controllable, space.
- May even help avoid the ugly phase?

Well, here is my real question.

If these perform this well, would there be less of a need for protein skimmers, UV sterilizers(algae control), and refugiums? Tried and true methods, so I am sure it will spark some conversation, but I have to admit this little ball of supercharged algae and lighting seems to be doing some impressive things.

I cannot see how they even remotely replace a skimmer or uv.

Is someone actually claiming an ATS reduces tank water yellowing or accumulation of organics?

 

[Devaji]

I am a huge fan of ATS I ran a DIY upflow on a 90 loved it. I plan to run one on the new 650P.
that said I will have a slightly undersized skimmer and UV as well + will run carbon.
that is my plan.
in my not so scientific way I believe success in reefing is finding balance in the tank, all of nature strives for it. reefing is do different. there are many ways to achieve that. IMHO as ATS is a valuable tool to achieve that.
I still would run other forms of filtration until tank achieves such a balance and then as needed.

in other words it a cheap (ish) effective natural way to filter the tank. is it the end all be all of reefing I dont think so but nothing is...

I think one reason ATS in the past have not gotton much attention is due to the lack of commercial units , yes there have been DIY and others but nothing on the mass level, until now. I will be curious to see if it becomes a stardard part of the reefer gear or not?