Choices

[ARreefer]

Not new, but it's been a decade and there have been lots of changes.

I posted in another topic (probably the wrong one) and only got one response so I'd thought I'd come here. Going to condense it to just questions.

ATS
Love the idea, had my heart set on a refugium setup, but they don't seem mutually compatible. If the ATS takes care of all algal filtering, then there's no need for macros, correct?

Skimmer
I see quite a few people going skimmerless. I'd love to do that. If I run an ATS, how does going skimmerless effect dissolved o2 for the system water?

Sump
If I go ATS, do I still have a live rock/sand refugium and just no macro? If I do, should I have the ATS empty into something other than the refugium.

Flow
LAST but not least, flow through an ATS system is a lot slower than a skimmer system, yes or no? If yes, does that really matter orther than an increased need for circulation in the main tank?

Thanks!

 

[TokiHacker]

Not new, but it's been a decade and there have been lots of changes.

I posted in another topic (probably the wrong one) and only got one response so I'd thought I'd come here. Going to condense it to just questions.

ATS
Love the idea, had my heart set on a refugium setup, but they don't seem mutually compatible. If the ATS takes care of all algal filtering, then there's no need for macros, correct?

Skimmer
I see quite a few people going skimmerless. I'd love to do that. If I run an ATS, how does going skimmerless effect dissolved o2 for the system water?

Sump
If I go ATS, do I still have a live rock/sand refugium and just no macro? If I do, should I have the ATS empty into something other than the refugium.

Flow
LAST but not least, flow through an ATS system is a lot slower than a skimmer system, yes or no? If yes, does that really matter orther than an increased need for circulation in the main tank?

Thanks!

Honestly... do a skimmer. It truly helps, not only o2 but also organic matter.

 

[mcgyvr]

ATS/Macros... An ATS and something like a ball of chaeto or other algaes are basically performing the same functions.. Unless you want some macros for "display" purposes there is really no point in having both.. It certainly won't hurt though..

Skimmer.. Skimming does aerate the water very well but its certainly possible to go without one and many do.. Usually there is sufficient aeration just from surface water turbulence, etc...

Sump/macros.. Again you can certainly have an ATS, a macro refugium, etc... and all the other bells and whistles.. But its certainly not needed..

Flow.. The flow rate through an ATS can be very fast and still work just fine from my experience..
An ATS could easily be done on the main "path" for main water through the sump or whatever....

One more thing.. An ATS can function well.. But its not the be all end all solution to maintaining a successful tank. Its not magic... Its just another potential "tool" you can use..
Its certainly not 100% needed on a tank either.. Plenty of successful tanks do not use a skimmer or an ATS or a macro fuge or carbon/gfo/biopellet reactors..blah blah..blah.. All are just tools that can make life/water change schedule/water quality easier/better but having more equipment also means the potential for more maintenance keeping it working well..