Algae Scrubber Basics

[Devaji108]

I was thinking the other day that thaey could be really GREAT for ppl with RR tanks pop one in the and let it go to town...

 

[SeanT]

Autocorrect messed it up.

Does anyone run chaeto with an ATS?

 

[dryworm]

its not optimal to run an ats with chaeto because they compete for the same nutrients

 

[SeanT]

Hmmm.
I have a 6 foot long fuge.
Heck of a waste of space.

 

[SeanT]

Hmmm.
I have a 6 foot long fuge.
Heck of a waste of space.

 

[srusso]

Hmmm.
I have a 6 foot long fuge.
Heck of a waste of space.

Put a light over it and call it a frag tank! ;-)

 

[SeanT]

Took the T5 ultrasolaris off it last week.
Tired of growing frags.

In everyone's experiences, what grows faster...chaeto or the ATS' algae?

 

[srusso]

Took the T5 ultrasolaris off it last week.
Tired of growing frags.

In everyone's experiences, what grows faster...chaeto or the ATS' algae?

If built well the algae scrubber will out compete the chaeto so long as it is in proportion with feeding guidelines.

 

[Ambition]

I am planning on using an ATS on my 180 gallon tank that will be built quite slowly. I was curious, how many use a skimmer in addition to the ATS? Currently I have a skimmer waiting to be used and I was planning on using it. What are the pros and cons to using a skimmer with an ATS?

 

[crn005]

I am planning on using an ATS on my 180 gallon tank that will be built quite slowly. I was curious, how many use a skimmer in addition to the ATS? Currently I have a skimmer waiting to be used and I was planning on using it. What are the pros and cons to using a skimmer with an ATS?

From everything that I've read, it seems pretty standard. I just started my ATS last week right as the pump on my skimmer went out. The algae is growing extremely well on my mesh but my DT is still producing algae. I think that once I get them both up and running I should be set.

 

[crn005]

Speaking of my scrubber, this is after 7 days. It seems to be decent growth. Do i clean the mesh a little or let it keep going?

http://imgur.com/a/xkL4k

 

[jwoyshnar]

They do work well together especially in the beginning when your mesh is new.

 

[srusso]

Speaking of my scrubber, this is after 7 days. It seems to be decent growth. Do i clean the mesh a little or let it keep going?

http://imgur.com/a/xkL4k

Clean it under some tap water, genitally with your finger tips rub some of the growth off. Leaving about 20% - 30% of growth.

 

[mtrcyclefish]

. How long should my light cycle be with this much light? Each side of the screen has the lights about 3 inches away.

Here's a few pics. I go a little overboard with my DIY. I always try to make it look "store bought". Let me know what you think.

.


Anyone?

 

[srusso]

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Anyone?

With LEDs, its safe to start with 9 hours on. Increase a little each week, till the growth turns yellow. That's when you know you have gone too far.... No more then 18 hours, but I dont think you will get even close to that...

Looks like a great build! Keep us posted!!

 

[JohnnyB in SD]

I want to convert lighting on a 16" x 8" screen to LEDs. How does 15 @ 3W Red and 3 @ 3w Blue per side sound? Is 2" away from screen a good distance?
THANKS

 

[SeanT]

How long after implementing an ATS is it until algae, any form, should appear?
I've had one running for 5 days...it's still snow white.

 

[Brandon2122]

I'm going to draw up plans tonight for a scrubber. I can't wait to see what happens to my tank.. I'm thinking about putting a maxi jet 1100 in my sump with a screen size of 5x6. Two cfl lights.. I only feed every other day about three cubes and flakes.. What do you think about this

 

[srusso]

I want to convert lighting on a 16" x 8" screen to LEDs. How does 15 @ 3W Red and 3 @ 3w Blue per side sound? Is 2" away from screen a good distance?
THANKS

Sounds good to me

 

[srusso]

How long after implementing an ATS is it until algae, any form, should appear?
I've had one running for 5 days...it's still snow white.

Please post pictures of your design, so we can troubleshoot it. But its normal to have little - no growth with a screen only 5 days old. 4-6 weeks for green growth. What are the current N's and P's?