Ats Scrubbers

[john rock]

I've been looking into these lately as they are getting some attention from large reef owners. No skimmer,little to no water changes EVER!
theres more threads and I'm still reading but what do think and/or know about this.http://www.reefs.org/library/talklog/m_lidster_100498.html
http://www.reefs.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=28&t=000012
http://www.thekrib.com/Filters/scrubber.html

[john rock]

http://www.hydromentia.com/ats.html
http://netclub.athiel.com/Ianrefug.htm

[Flame*Angel]

I believe Mr. 2000 used those algae scrubbers. The only bad thing I've ever heard about them is yellowing of the water. I'd think that could be fixed with carbon though.

[Toutouche]

ATS's have been around for quite some time and they work very well when done properly. You have to stay on top of the regular maintenance though. As Susan pointed out, yes they can yellow the water somewhat but if you have an efficient carbon filter running 24/7, then it should be o.k. They tend to be used more in Europe these days and by "old school" reefers.

[Flatlander]

[i] "old school" reefers. [/B]

:D Aww cmon, we are not that old. :D

I have owned a large turf scrubber for over 3 yrs. now. Ran on several different tanks. Currently running on my friends 180 and helped get a bubble algae plague under control.

He, as I, also runs a large beckett skimmer along with the scrubber.

Nice long thread on Erics forum at RC on them. Search under ATS.

Here is a pic of the scrubber when new.

[Flatlander]

Scrubber tray & screen during dump. Light is from a pair of 55w power compacts. Water is fed to the scrubber from a Hagen 800 powerhead.

[Toutouche]

Flatlander,
By saying Oldschool, I didn't mean your age. I was referring to people that still used traditional, time tested methods. You say it helped you to rid a bubble algae problem? I have been contemplating also adding one to my bigger tank upgrade. I'm very curious about it controlling the bubble algae though as I presently am having more than I really want in my tank, although it's not that bad..., yet ( knocking on wood!!).

[Flatlander]

Originally posted by Toutouche
Flatlander,
By saying Oldschool, I didn't mean your age. I was referring to people that still used traditional, time tested methods.

Yea, I know, just pulling your leg. :biglaugh2

My friend has had some bad bubble algae in his 180 for sometime now. He had to constantly clean it out, a major PITA, as you know, esp. in a tank with rear access only.

Since I shut down & sold my 225, several months ago, he has been running my turf scrubber on his 100g Rubbermaid sump. The bubble algae has decreased to the point where it needs only periodic cleaning.

In all fairness, he has also decreased his very abundant feeding somewhat. He does have a heavy fish load though.

I tried running my 170 & the 225 on the scrubber only, shutting down the skimmer. Everytime the tank looked worse for wear.
{ I have 30yrs. experience and besides large or frequent water changes, have no idea how aquarists run skimmerless.:huh3: }

I still think, {and did before the current fad on RC & TRT}, that the dsb did more harm than good. So I dont know how much better it would have worked on a bbt but will find out when my 5ft. 170g arrives and is running.

When I researched & finally purchased the scrubber, it was to run a tank without a large skimmer. After 3 yrs. I have yet to decide if its me or the scrubber thats not doing the job.:biglaugh2