Protein skimmer vs Algae scrubber

cdare99 · Dec 4, 2018

I know there’s several threads about this but I figured I’d post another. I’m starting an Red Sea Reefer 450, and was thinking about using my old protein skimmer that works fine but is rated for a smaller tank. And compensating it by adding a clear water algae scrubber, and possibly that solely later on.
What are your guys/gals opinion on these types of setups.
And have any of you used algae scrubbers, and do you find them worth your money?

Solofish732 · Dec 4, 2018

this is a great question and im in the same boat following

Jason mack · Dec 4, 2018

You can never beat a good skimmer on your tank imo ....but I have both ...skimmer and home made ats ...that work well together

ReeferReefer · Dec 4, 2018

Algae scrubbers and refugiums are very effective nutrient export methods. I would set up the system and see how its handling the bioload and then upgrade the skimmer later if needed.

Phi79 · Dec 4, 2018

I ran a algae scrubber for two months I just took it off my system, it’s not growing much but my cheato is growing like crazy I have to trim it every two weeks. Nothing beat a good skimmer and a refugium. I don’t think it’s worth the money.

ca1ore · Dec 4, 2018

Skimmer and ATS do different things. Skimmer removes proteins before they break down into nitrates and phosphates. ATS (and other algal based export mechanisms) remove nitrates and phosphates. I'd view them as entirely complementary.

cdare99 · Dec 4, 2018

Agree with everything said so far, was also thinking about turning the built in ato into refugium and just get a new protein skimmer. I like the refugium for many of the Beni fits, also because I have a mandarin dragonet and it would be a good food supply for him I’ll sadly get rid of for a while I just won’t have enough food for him in the new tank. Also my other question to ATS owners is did it reduce your tank maintenance like water changes. Did you see better coral growth, was it solely good for reducing your nutrients, basically did you see a visual difference. Which I know won’t be likely unless your nutrients were really out of control.