ATS vs protine skimmer

xj_matt

xj_matt

Premium member
Ok guys I need just a few more things to get my 105 up and running in was wondering what every one thought on running a ATS instead of protine skimmer if it comes down to it I might start with the ATS and later on add a skimmer so I can save for a good one please post your I'm put on my idea
 
I think I would start off with a good protein skimmer first then save up for ats. Ats take time to seed itself but protein skimmer work right away exporting.
 
Venom said:
I think I would start off with a good protein skimmer first then save up for ats. Ats take time to seed itself but protein skimmer work right away exporting.
Click to expand...

Would you recommend running both? Or would I be pulling way to much out?
 
All depends how much you feed. Some people don't need a skimmer because their ats is properly sized for how much they feed. I took my skimmer offline on my 28g only when both my ats were properly seeded.
 
Venom said:
All depends how much you feed. Some people don't need a skimmer because their ats is properly sized for how much they feed. I took my skimmer offline on my 28g only when both my ats were properly seeded.
Click to expand...
As of right now I have a heavy bioload I have 10 fish in my 37 gallon and I like to try and fees 2x a day but I only have a skimmer on it now and I get dark skimmate out of it but every thing looks good, my biggest problem is I can't get my phosphates down
 
xj_matt said:
As of right now I have a heavy bioload I have 10 fish in my 37 gallon and I like to try and fees 2x a day but I only have a skimmer on it now and I get dark skimmate out of it but every thing looks good, my biggest problem is I can't get my phosphates down
Click to expand...
I run a small amount of gfo to keep phosphates low. I think skimmer is really important for you until you get a properly sized ats seeded
 
IMO, ATS would be a very good helper, but for most cases, a nice size skimmer is still important.
1. To eliminate the skimmer, you will need a large ATS that may not fit in your stand. 105gal tank with medium bioload you may need 2~3 sqft or larger screen. So why not letting a good skimmer do 75% of the work and have a smaller ATS as a helper.
2. Ats is not stable. when its at its full growth, your nutrients may get too low that corals started to starve. But after you clean the algae, it may grow nothing for a few days and your nutrients may go up too high.
3. power consumption. a good size skimmer pump may consume 20, 30 watts of power. A 2 sqft ATS will need at least 100W just for lights (cfl), and you may need a large pump ( 700+ gph) to feed it, thats another 50~80watts.
4. Over heated. with extra power consumption, your tank is going to be over heated, especially in summer.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top