Algae scrubber or protein skimmer

[M1keol]

I have an algae scrubber which I installed about 3 weeks which has good growth so far and has already rid my display of hair algae, I’m amazed how quickly it worked. I was curious though I also have a protein skimmer running. Does anyone have experience running both? Is it even necessary to have a protein skimmer with a scrubber running?

 

[Dan_P]

I have an algae scrubber which I installed about 3 weeks which has good growth so far and has already rid my display of hair algae, I’m amazed how quickly it worked. I was curious though I also have a protein skimmer running. Does anyone have experience running both? Is it even necessary to have a protein skimmer with a scrubber running?

They do two different kinds of exporting. You need to decide for yourself whether your system needs both. Their is a good chance your system will benefit from having both.

 

[G Santana]

I have both and wouldn't run my tank without them. If I were forced to choose one, it would be the skimmer.

 

[Angel_V_the_reefer]

I have both and wouldn't run my tank without them. If I were forced to choose one, it would be the skimmer.

From your experience, what can the skimmer do to your tank that an algae scrubber is lacking, vice versa ?

Im currently in the debate of purchasing either or. I do weekly water changes, but suffer with high nutrients on a low bio load 10g.

 

[G Santana]

From your experience, what can the skimmer do to your tank that an algae scrubber is lacking, vice versa ?

Im currently in the debate of purchasing either or. I do weekly water changes, but suffer with high nutrients on a low bio load 10g.

Skimmer is immediate, scrubber takes a week to give me a full screen of algae my skimmer cup gets cleaned twice a week.
Scrubber helps with N04 in the long run skimmer gets to those organics before they can affect your water quality