ATS instead of Skimmer?

So im getting ready to upgrade from a 30 gallon tank with 10 gallon sump/fuge to a 120 gallon tank with 40 breeder for a sump/fuge. My question is if i do this upgrade can i forget about the skimmer and just do a ATS cause i really dont want a skimmer if its possible. also planning on putting a deep sand bed and rock rubble in the fuge.
Any thoughts

 

They don't really do the same thing in my opinion. The skimmer will remove certain organics before they break down into nitrate, phosphate etc... The ATS will remove nitrate, phosphate etc... It sounds like they are removing the same end product, so, they are similar, however, there are differences. That said some people use an ATS without a skimmer. Personally, I think there are enough reasons to want to remove organics before they break down though, that I prefer a skimmer, but generally think an ATS in addition is a nice combo. However, to determine what's best for you, what is your reason for wanting an ATS without a skimmer?

 

IMO it depends on the type of system you want to run...I'm not sure on a full blown SPS dominant system I would want to forgo a skimmer, although I've seen and run SPS systems that do very well without one...on the other hand if your plans don't included a ULNS setup I think ATS's can work very well. Skimmers have become a somewhat mandatory piece of equipment in many hobbyist's eyes, and while they do serve their purpose very well, you certainly can run a successful system without one. I personally run ATS's in stead of skimmers on many of our systems (some are display tanks, some are prop or holding systems). In the end I think it boils down the acronym LIME (L)imit (I)mport (M)aximize (E)xport. Basically to run a successful system you have to control the nutrients you add to the system...and whatever equipment/methods you choose, your system has to be able to handle the removal of unused nutrients before they can break down and cause issues. One thing about this hobby is there are many different ways are employed to achieve the same end goal.

 

Very well said!

 

i don't have a skimmer on my tank. i have a deep sand and crushed coral bed and a sump with grape Caulerpa