ATO or Protein Skimmer

[Maobea]

Hi all!

I'm new to R2R and to reef aquariums in general. I'm in the process of cycling my sumpless tank (70 gal Fluval Osaka) and I'm finding myself in a conundrum...I have the choice of an ATO and a HOB protein skimmer for my next addition as I am adding things little by little (expensive hobby) but I'm not sure as to what should be my next part (I already have the lights, hob filter, powerhead, heater, and rock). What would you guys think is more important between an ATO and a skimmer (or anything else you guys think could be more important). The top of my budget is $250 for my next gadget.

I'd really appreciate any help on this. I am currently looking at this ATO:

https://www.amazon.com/XP-Aqua-Sump...id=1538679471&sr=8-3&keywords=xp+aqua+top+off

Or this skimmer:

https://www.amazon.com/Reef-Octopus...hob+protein+skimmer&psc=1&smid=A1BNS86D4V4GO1

I'm open to any suggestions! Thank you all so much!

Also here's a picture of my tank...

 

[menglish]

I think, since you have a small tank,
get the skimmer first. You can be the ATO once a day when you are looking at the tank

 

[Geebs19]

Skimmer, ATO is just a nice addition that can be added on down the road.

 

[Maobea]

I was thinking about that too, but I'm not sure if having the consistency of salinity would be more important than the quality of the water itself keeping in mind that I plan on doing 20% water changes weekly or bi-weekly. I've seen mixed opinions on that

 

[Coastie Reefer]

I'm going to have to go against the grain here ans vote ATO. Never having to worry about topping off, just making sure your ATO container has water, makes having a tank more enjoyable and a lot less work. Careful on the feeding and stocking, and you won't really need a skimmer right away.

I have a sumpless 40B with a HOB Aquaclear 50 and I'm doing just fine. 10g water change every 2 weeks keeps me in line so far.

I use the Smart Aqua Micro and it pumps water up about 3' no problem. I did have to prime the hose first (suck on it like a straw till water gets near the top) but after that it's been running for well over a year.

 

[Mikedawg]

I would continue researching price while waiting to see what bioload/water parameters are once you have stocked your cycled tank as well as having calculated the evaporation rate. Of course the best answer is "both" but understand your position.

 

[Deiblerj]

I was thinking about that too, but I'm not sure if having the consistency of salinity would be more important than the quality of the water itself keeping in mind that I plan on doing 20% water changes weekly or bi-weekly. I've seen mixed opinions on that

I’m by far no expert, but that seems like a pretty hefty task. And I would think that would get expensive unless you’re making your own water

 

[Geebs19]

I guess a good question would be, are you having to top off everyday? On my 100 gallon I usually top off every 2-3 days.

 

[Coastie Reefer]

Also... keep in mind that Black Friday and Cyber Monday is just around the corner. I wouldn't buy anything till I saw what kind of deals are to be offered.

 

[Deiblerj]

Also... keep in mind that Black Friday and Cyber Monday is just around the corner. I wouldn't buy anything till I saw what kind of deals are to be offered.

Holy crap I didn’t even think of that!

 

[Geebs19]

Also... keep in mind that Black Friday and Cyber Monday is just around the corner. I wouldn't buy anything till I saw what kind of deals are to be offered.

Your patience must be better than mine, when I want it, I have to have it haha.

 

[MTBake]

Welcome to R2R

I vote skimmer.

I use a Reef Octopus hob skimmer and really like it. Mines been in service for over 8 years now and I don't see a reason to replace it. It's on my 40 breeder right now. I've also used it on a 75 gallon with good results as well.

The ato can be added later on. Just top off manually for now.

Here's a link to the skimmer I have. It's slightly more money but easier to clean than the one you posted, IMO. I also removed all the foam pieces as they kept getting clogged.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00L...pus+bh2000&dpPl=1&dpID=41rIRtRic7L&ref=plSrch

 

[Maobea]

I’m by far no expert, but that seems like a pretty hefty task. And I would think that would get expensive unless you’re making your own water

Yes, I'm making my own water, I do have the RO/DI set already

 

[Coastie Reefer]

Your patience must be better than mine, when I want it, I have to have it haha.

LOL, it's more about my wallet's patience. It dictates my choices most of the time! If not for that pesky little thing, I'd have no impulse control!

 

[Maobea]

Also... keep in mind that Black Friday and Cyber Monday is just around the corner. I wouldn't buy anything till I saw what kind of deals are to be offered.

The thing is, my birthday is on Monday, so this is going to be a birthday present (Wooohooo), but yes, I will be definitely keep an eye for Black Friday/Cyber Monday!

 

[Geebs19]

The thing is, my birthday is on Monday, so this is going to be a birthday present (Wooohooo), but yes, I will be definitely keep an eye for Black Friday/Cyber Monday!

Happy early bday!

 

[Maobea]

Welcome to R2R

I vote skimmer.

I use a Reef Octopus hob skimmer and really like it. Mines been in service for over 8 years now and I don't see a reason to replace it. It's on my 40 breeder right now. I've also used it on a 75 gallon with good results as well.

The ato can be added later on. Just top off manually for now.

Here's a link to the skimmer I have. It's slightly more money but easier to clean than the one you posted, IMO. I also removed all the foam pieces as they kept getting clogged.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00L...pus+bh2000&dpPl=1&dpID=41rIRtRic7L&ref=plSrch

Thank you for this! It's winning the skimmer race should I decide to get one!

 

[Maobea]

Happy early bday!

Thank you!!

 

[Teri NewbieReefer]

Hi Maobea! Welcome to R2R! Since you are still cycling, you have some time to consider everyone's opinions...
Me? I personally chose the protein skimmer first, but I only have a sumpless 30+ cube with HOB everything, so adding the water each day was easy for the first few months. It also kept me 'in touch' with the tank as I would check and add to the water level a couple of times a day. I was more concerned with water quality - I knew from keeping FOWLRs that parameters were important and heard that reef tanks were even more picky, so protein skimmer was at the top of my list of goodies to get.

 

[Burrito]

i vote ATO, adding water every day gets old VERY fast, you can run a reef without both but an ato makes the whole process more enjoyable