Protein Skimmer Do I need one?

I can agree with that. I think ATS are pretty interesting actually. I have thought maybe in the future having a ATS based system with an undersized skimmer helping out. But for most Skimmers are very easy and take up very little room. ATS need a lot more room and more lighting. They require more maintenance but they are more natural and do have some other benefits.

 

I haven't used an Ats, but if I understand them correctly, they more effective for inorganic nutrients. A protein skimmer is more effective at removing organic nutrients before they break down into inorganic constituents. So, I'm not sure an ATS is a compete replacement for a skimmer. both seem to have their place and may work well together.


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I am no expert, but I really don't see difference. I have 80 gallon bowfront for past 6 months(previous owner had it for 6years) without skimmer, all fishes and corals doing good. added coralife super skimmer 125 few weeks back, not much difference in corals/fish apart from skimmer producing some greenish foam/water. infact my xenia/kenya tree growth slowed down little bit, it could be due to any reason not due to skimmer though. I am not sure if it's really needed, also I do have lifegard UV sterilizer and again not sure if that also needed. Because I am not running in since last month and don't see any difference.

 

Yeah skimmers and UV sterilizers aren't for everyone. There not plug and play devices nor are they set and forget devices. Test kits? Nah, you don't need them either. If your animals are growing after a long period of time like say 6 months or so then why test the water. The water is clear right? Cool, that's all some people need to know. Nitrates & phosphates? No worries. You can't see these things so something must be taking care of it right?Pretty soon some of you may be so successful you could write a book called,"Reef-keeping simplified-even a cave man can do it!"

 

^^lol at the "even a cave man can do it"

I can understand why some people wouldn't run a skimmer. I personally will never run a tank without one because I see the disgusting crap that collects in the collection cup every week. For me it is my ONLY means of physical filtration. The only way I justify not using one is if I had one killer ATS running.