Algae Scrubber Basics

ATS flow tweak

ATS flow tweak

Hiya,

I've been wanting to play around with an ATS for a while, so when I got a few spare minutes, I threw up a "prototype". After the first week, I knew that the slotted pipe and I were never going to make nice. Thought I would share my solution to remove it from the equation.

Description:

I actually kept the slotted pipe, but I allow water to free flow down to a dowel that I have wrapped with the nylon screen. I created a "flap" that is separate from the screen, that is wrapped around the main screen and sandwiches it nice and snug. I used 2 ziptie ends (one on each side) to pull the screen nice and tight. The picture should give you a better idea. On each side, you can see the slot that I created that allows for very easy removal of the dowel/screen.

Anyway, if this has been done before, I just wasted your reading time. If not, cool ;)

I will post my experiences with this design from time to time. But for the most part, it seems that once I dial it in, I shouldn't have flow issues.

ATS.jpg
 
I am thinking about running an ATS to combat nutrients in my tank. i have been keeping my magnesium levels elevated combat briopsys. They are currently around 1500. Will the elevated magnesium prevent an ATS from functioning? If it kills Briopsys will it kill all algae?
 
I want mine to look like that. My screen is too big for my feedings now though. How long are you running lights Chris, also how big is your screen?

Corey
 
I am looking to add a ATS into my existing sump. I have a large drop (6" minimum) from my last baffle in my sump to my return pump. Could I add the screen there and light it? I am thinking of clipping it to the baffle so the water trickles down it. I have a goose neck light unit coming so I can direct the light right at it.
 
He does not need skimmer or ats He has that gigantic clam which is doing the lot for him. Take out the clam and he WILL need skimmer or ATS!!! Clams are filter feeders
 
I'm starting a second "extra large screen, high light" ATS to make up for the excess nutrients that come with the insect population in the summer... My tank is semi-exposed to the elements and at this point, I'm having to cut back on my feeding to make up for the daily intake of about a handful of mosquitoes and gnats a day. My system runs without mechanical filtration, so my skimmer is working overtime on export, and it's still not enough.

The idea is to use multiple small screens to make the large screen. But my experience with multiple small screens is that they become difficult to clean wherever they connect. The zip ties or other attachment methods tend to grip the cleaning tool and cause tears or improper algae removal.

So, I'd like a grid structure with multiple sheets that can be individually removed and cleaned. This allows me to control the screen cleaning rate so I can stagger them over time.

I have some ideas on doing this, but they include using a titanium wire structure or a multichannel pipe, or a nylon wire suspension of clipped sheets, etc... so before giving this more deep thought, I wanted to see if anyone else has done this successfully (or not) and had any advice to share.

The current plan is to run a 24" x 36" area that is lit on both sides with 2 x 400W metal halides (I gave up on a sunlit solution). I also have 2 x 200W CFLs in case the MHs are too intense. I can also go with 100W LED multichips too (have some of those too). The flow will be ~2000gph from a Jebao pump in a 100gal external auxilliary sump.

Ideas?
 
proietti said:
He does not need skimmer or ats He has that gigantic clam which is doing the lot for him. Take out the clam and he WILL need skimmer or ATS!!! Clams are filter feeders
Click to expand...
Youtube has loads of tanks with no water changes, no skimmer , no ats and no refugium too, jus a giant canister filter... i guess normal bioload, and a good size refugium shud do the job, or if using a canister, jus by maintaining it monthly shud work too. checkout sally joe's bullet proof method too.. dsb also helps.
 
nanomania said:
Youtube has loads of tanks with no water changes, no skimmer , no ats and no refugium too, jus a giant canister filter... i guess normal bioload, and a good size refugium shud do the job, or if using a canister, jus by maintaining it monthly shud work too. checkout sally joe's bullet proof method too.. dsb also helps.
Click to expand...
I'm not exactly sure what your point is? There's all kinds of examples showing something works.

I personally don't like to depend on any single one thing.
 
I'm setting up my ATS and not sure where is the best location for the pump. I've got plenty of room in the fug area but I'm afraid the pump might kill alot of pods. What do you guys think. I have it in the skimmer area now but I had to move one of my filter socks into the fug area to make room for the ATS pump. My sump is set up in three sections: intake, refugium, then return. BTW there is no room in the return area.
 
Karim,
Years back I built an open hood from all plastics.
Here are 2 suggestions to ponder from US Plastics.
1/2" square pvc #45069 for the sides & Bar clip on material #49461
The screens would be held to the bar with the clip material & slid or pulled out when needed.
I was also thinking of plastic screws from the rear through the screen held by plain old flexible tubing fitting "snug" over the screws & just pulled off when needed.
 
I have it in the skimmer area now but I had to move one of my filter socks into the fug area to make room for the ATS pump
Click to expand...

If you want to have lots of pods, it's more important to remove the skimmer and socks.
 
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