Advice needed on possible ATS and fuge set up

I'm in the process of setting up a new tank. Details can be found in my sig link. And I must admit I'm get overwhelmed with the possible options that I can run in the sump.

Originally I was planning on skimmer, fuge/DSB style sump. But I've been doing some research and after coming across the Algae Turf scrubber options I'm almost tempted to do away with the skimmer and just run an ATS and a fuge.

Apart from having to do maintenance on the sheet more often I really can't see to many downsides to using an ATS instead. The saving of $500-$600 is also very attractive. I was wondering if anyone can shed some light or information on using an ATS system combined with a fuge?

On a side note, what fuge set ups would you recommend/are using in combination with an ATS. More importantly what lighting are you using/recommend ?

Similarly what lighting would you recommend on an ATS ?
I've done some reading on what they suggest, I was just more after peoples opinions?
Of course K+ for useful posts.

 

I used an ATS on my system from about month 2 to 5 or so. I never really had an algae problem just nitrates wouldn't come down and my ReefOcto 100H wasn't doing the job. The ATS was great...at first. It would suck all excess NO3 and PO4 from the sytem and grew a alot of good red turf. But then there was nothing to feed it so it would begin to die, release stored nutrients and there would be blooms on the sand in both the fuge and dt. Then it would begin to do it's job again, die/release, work, etc. etc.
Would I ever use another? You bet and I will on my new farm build only this time it will be built to be taken offline w/o disturbing the flow cycle of the system. Also I don't think they will replace a skimmer. Mine continued to work as effectively as it did before the ATS addition.

 

Thank you very helpful... What lighting did you use on your ATS ?
So you'd use one again, except you modify it so that you could control when it was 'on'. I'm beginning to think that I'll need to use it in combination with a skimmer.

 

Yup, I'm with RM. I've used one since the beginning of this year & I'm very sold on the whole deal.

ATS runs 24/7 (of course) as does a small HOB fuge/skimmer. I've always fed heavy & still have had the red carpet on the sand a coupla times.
On a bigger scale, which will happen this year, I'll most likely turn an ASM G3 for 12hrs daily.

I can honestly say though, my tank has remained in better shape with the ATS than without.

Light (watts) for your ATS depends on the size of your algae screen. The spiral Compact Fluorescent bulbs at 2700K are best. You can also get them in floodlight style.

Have you checked out Santa Monicas site?

 

I was planning an 18 * 18 screen for a 180G tank. I think by my understanding that's correct ?
Yes i did, that's partly how i got on the idea. I was just hoping for some more advice from another source.

 

I used 2 6500K Bright Effects CFL's from Lowes. One on each side. I think you misunderstood, I would build it so that I could take it out of the system w/o disrupting flow through out the system. The way I had my other built I had to shut the entire flow system down to clean it and then when I did get rid of it I had to re-plumb half my piping. This time I'll build it as a stand alone remote with a valve controlled by pass for cleaning and/or removal.

 

I did indeed misunderstand, that makes a lot more sense. I'm still determining the best way to put it in my sump, whilst having easy enough access to clean it weekly :S