Skimmer/ ATS

[Dallas reefer]

What could be done to remove food particles (as sm said in a previous topic) from the display if I'm running an ATS?

Also, why do some people say I need to run a skimmer along with an ATS?

Maybe I answered my own first question. But I do notice that my 175g, while op'd solely on a skimmer, is crystal clear. And my 90g(ATS) is murky, to say the least.

Is calc dosing necessary with the ATS?

[Ace25]

So your 175G is just like my refrigerator, empty of all food. ;)

Just my opinion, but I think there is a balance to be found with skimmers. Running 24/7 isn't good for a tank, but neither is not running one. From all the articles I have read on skimmers, my conclusion is a skimmer seems to provide the most benefit if run 2-3 hours a day. Beyond that, a skimmer pulls out too much good stuff from the water.

Yes, CA dosing is still required with an ATS. How much dosing depends on your coral stocking.

[180rftank]

I think you would be better off running the skimmer full time, but just get a skimmer rated for a smaller aquarium.

[Ace25]

I think you would be better off running the skimmer full time, but just get a skimmer rated for a smaller aquarium.
Can you elaborate more on your opinion? Not trying to bash/flame you, I am really curious how you came to your conclusion. These articles below are the basis for my conclusion BTW.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/1/aafeature2 (skimmer performance 1)
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/1/aafeature (skimmer performance 2)
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/2/aafeature (Skimmate breakdown - what exactly are skimmers removing)
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2011/3/aafeature (bacteria in a reef and how efficient skimmers remove bacteria)

[SantaMonica]

What could be done to remove food particles (as sm said in a previous topic) from the display if I'm running an ATS?

If you have no corals or small fish and thus don't need food in the water, any type of mechanical filter will remove them.


Also, why do some people say I need to run a skimmer along with an ATS?

They may not have any corals or small fish to feed. Or they have not run a scrubber. Or they have a scrubber but it is not strong enough. Or they don't like the natural (particles) reef look.


And my 90g(ATS) is murky, to say the least.

If you mean like cloudy, then you are probably not cleaning often enough. Should be completely clear, with small dust (baby copepod) particles flowing around.


Is calc dosing necessary with the ATS?

Yes, cal and alk needs don't change with a scrubber.

[Dallas reefer]

Well.....maybe you're right about not cleaning enough. When I look through the side of the tank, it looks a little yellowish.

I've got an idea about how to construct an ATS for the 175. I just have to fine tune it a bit before I show it off.

[SantaMonica]

Yes, yellow is from dying algae. However a green tint is from phytoplankton.