ATS based prop system

castor

New member
I posted about a small prop system I dreamed up and built in the propagation forum but didn't really get much feed back on it's functionality, pretty much saying if it was a waste of time or will it grow and keep corals healthy. I decided to post here as it is an ATS based system and most don't know very much about them. I've read up on them as much as I could with the limited base of knowledge there is on that certain kind of filtration but I feel it is still somewhat of an unknown and would like others input, maybe from some who have run one before.

The post that has pics and vids of the whole setup is here.

It's kind of long as I posted it all at once but I tried to show the setup as best as possible. I didn't know how well the system would actually work so I tried to spend as little as possible while still retaining function. I've made a few changes since that post and will update it here, the dump tray dumps more water now with a change in how the bottom tote sits.

My big question for now is whether I should put a DSB in the top tank, or just leave it bare with only the LR in it. My first thought was just the live rock with the ATS providing most of the filtration but I would like to feed the corals heavily (which the ATS would allow to some extent in combo with frequent water changes) but would a DSB in combo with the ATS really be the optimal setting? I want this as low impact as possible and with the one pump I am getting that, and as natural as possible. The main reason I am thinking of not doing a DSB is a water volume issue as there isn't much volume as is and adding a DSB would cut that down even more. The question then is would the added filtering of the water with the DSB make up for the volume loss. Any and all input would be greatly appreciated as I am planning on filling it up with RO this weekend and ordering the LR so I need to do any changes in the next few days.
 
Nobody has any input? Possitive or negative?

I'm thinking of adding the DSB to the top but I only have one day to decide as I want to get this thing running and the LR in there.
 
I realized when I measured things there really isn't room up top for a DSB so we will see how things go with just the ATS. Take into account this is mostly just a experimental setup. I plan to make a trip down to inland and hopefully have a chance to talk about ATS's with them and discuss my setup and what I could have done different.

Anyway, here is a vid on youtube (better quality) of the setup in action with the changes and more wave action.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMmQV0y6WCs
 
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I like it! I've only read about them. So much cooler to see one in action even if it is on a smaller scale. These kind of projects I'd like to see more of. Keep on tinkering castor.:thumbsup:
 
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