ATS, a refugium and a skimmer?? Too Much?

[Joel_155]

So I'm in the build process and hopefully I plan on plumbing my tank tomorrow. While I was browsing the forums I started reading the ATS threads and the idea sounds really interesting. The question I have is that I already have a protein skimmer and from what Ive read people are running an ATS in lieu of a protein skimmer. Now I could have assumed here but I'm wondering how the two items interact. I also have a refugium on my system so I'm wondering if a refugium, protein skimmer and an ATS would be too much. Let me know if you could as I'm really curious about this. Thanks for the help!

 

[JSeymour]

First off, I have never used an ATS, although I've been tempted many times. Using all three really shouldn't pose a problem. From a nutrient stand point, protein skimmering only removes "undigested" organics, mainly proteins. Algae for the most part can not utilize these proteins, only once they have been eaten and excreted as nitric waste, phosphates, and other compounds can they be absorbed. Macroalgaes will absorb alot of nitrates, but seem to be slightly limited in their phosphate absorption. Microalgae on the other hand soaks up phosphate like crazy.You would see a reduction in skimmate and algae growth using all three, but only because it's being distributed between them all. Over all, you'd probably see alot of benefits, protein skimming reducing the amount of waste actually being produced in the DT, a refugium/macroalgae filter absorbing a good amount of nitrous waste, as well as providing refuge for zooplankton. The ATS would finish off the nitrates and phosphates and provide phytoplankton. A nice rich and diverse system for a thriving reef. Plus, if any one of the three have a failure(pumps, lights, etc.), the other two should be able to keep everything going until you get it fixed.

 

[Joel_155]

Okay so you just sold me on the whole setup. Im going to plumb my tank and then add on the ATS. From what I've read it adds a huge benefit and I just wanted to make sure its not over the top.

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[jdstank]

ATS ftw. Forgo the skimmer, it wont be needed.

 

[pledosophy]

Really depends on the bioload and how much you need to feed. I have a ATS, Protein Skimmer and refugium on my 120g and I still have algae problems. I am feeding 15 cubes of food a day.

I plan on starting a non photo tank which will be around 40g and also use the equivalent of 10 cubes of food a day or so, so I plan on running all 3.

On my 125g display I have 100g of refugium and a protein skimmer and felt no benefit to add the ATS for that system

JME

 

[jwoyshnar]

I have all three on my 180. I wish I had more room I would do a bigger refugium