Algae Scrubber vs Protein Skimmer

[noj3333]

If I were able to design and build a good algae scrubber would that be able to replace my protein skimmer?

The reason I'm curious is because my skimmer has been acting up over the past week or so, and a algae scrubber looks like a simpler device to run... less issues = happier reefer!

Opinions please, is a good algae scrubber a legitimate replacement to a good skimmer?

 

[noj3333]

no opinions?

 

[ichthyogeek]

I'm not sure. I'm sure that there are some very good scrubber vs. skimmer debates if you search for them, but not positive. I'd have to say no, but I am also not sure if algae can take up proteins and lipids in the water column, if they did, then I'd have to say yes. Did you do anything out of the ordinary to make the skimmer go bonkers?

 

[Khemul]

It really depends on the tank. Skimmers and scrubbers aren't really alternatives to each other. The idea behind skimmers is to remove things before they can become algae-food. The idea behind scrubbers is to out-compete the algae on the rocks for food. Essentially, the whole crux of the skimmer vs scrubber debate is whether you want to prevent the problem from existing or fix it after the fact. No reason they can't really work side-by-side, but the debate often makes them seem mutually-exclusive.

Depending on your setup, a good algae scrubber could accomplish the same goal as a skimmer. Or it may not.

 

[avandss]

i use both.

 

[Dan_P]

Funny, I was thinking about this very idea during breakfast today. What they do is not exactly the same, but there is enough overlap for thinking about either-or. Here is what I scrawled on a napkin.

Skimmer
Removes dissolved organic matter and microorganisms. Shown not to remove organics as well as GAC. Removes only a subset of bacteria in water. Does not reduce nitrates or phosphates but does remove chemical precursors to these.

Mechanical device, can be tuned, operation is well understood. Operation very deterministic

Algae Scrbbuer or Macroalgae
Removes nitrates and phosphates and will consume ammonia as well. It becomes part of the biofilter. Consumes CO2 and raise pH during the day, but respires at night, helping to lower pH.

Biological systems are not as deterministic as mechanical devices. Might be harder to "get right". Could be difficult to diagnose problems when it does not grow or function well. Needs care like all living things kept in captivity. Difficult to know what its capacity is to remove nitrates and phosphates.

What do you think?

 

[Stevenliu9]

algae scrubber and protein skimmer are apples to orange. One removes algae from the glass, but the algae remains in the system. The other removes excess nutrient/junk out of the water system, but not necessarily algae. If you have a reef system a skimmer is a must have. a scrubber is recommended but not necessary for your livestock's wellbeing, only for your viewing pleasure.

 

[Crusinjimbo]

Skimmer and ATS has worked extremely well for me. Struggled with NO3 (between 8-12 ppm) for months with a skimmer only system. Tried all the fixes commonly discussed here but over feeding probably was sufficient to hold it there. Installed an ATS and in less than two months my NO3 hit 0 ppm (Red Sea). Very little maintenance on the scrubber if setup properly, makes no noise and definitely helps ph. I believe they compliment each other.

 

[rgulrich]

They compliment eachother, much like one filter compound such as activated carbon compliments granular ferric oxide, each one serving its own purpose.
In my case, my algae filter runs 24/7, so I have no ph spike or trough, and is part of a complete filter system.

 

[ca1ore]

It really depends on the tank. Skimmers and scrubbers aren't really alternatives to each other. The idea behind skimmers is to remove things before they can become algae-food. The idea behind scrubbers is to out-compete the algae on the rocks for food. Essentially, the whole crux of the skimmer vs scrubber debate is whether you want to prevent the problem from existing or fix it after the fact. No reason they can't really work side-by-side, but the debate often makes them seem mutually-exclusive.

Depending on your setup, a good algae scrubber could accomplish the same goal as a skimmer. Or it may not.

This is what I would have written as answer, so fully agree