can you help me go skimmerless?

[apt220]

:hmm6:

 

[srusso]

Here is a pic from just a few seconds ago

 

[srusso]

:hmm6:

Not sure that means... Is there something you don't like about my very young tank?

 

[CLINTOS]

You could just go with 2 x 24" T5HO, one on each side, unless you don't use reflectors (or DIY it). For 29 + sump (I assume that is a 15g sump 1/2 full = 8g?, or a 30g sump 1/2 full?) you need 37 sq inches, at 20" wide (effective useful width of screen, as the lamps are actually 21.5" long, a standard fixture ends up being 24" long) then you need only 2 inches of height on the screen, which is really only enough room for 1 bulb on each side. And you will get mad growth.

Sump is 24" x 12" x 12" with the water lever at least half full nothing else in the sump besides some L.R and maybe a little bit of a sand bed if I can get away with it.

I wanted to go super sized just to make sure. I'm really hoping to almost never scrape my glass again.

 

[phil47952]

I to use a maxi jet to try and compensate for some additional needed flow. I will be changing the plumbing in hopes that the flow will get a little better.
You may find that your growth would get lighter if you clean your screen every seven days. For instance my screen is only 5+ months old and I already harvest a cup of algae every week. You should try and use 27k CFL indoor bulbs. SantaMonica has a done a lot of research on this and these seem to work the best. Increase the number of bulbs if your screen needs more light.

Ps... In no way have you hijacked this thread IMHO. You have silenced the naysayers that preach of failure in long term use. I enjoy the same success you have found with your scrubber. A lively tank with a strong biodiversity.

Thank you for sharing

I thought the 65K bulb is the one to use, I haven't set up my scrubber yet but can't wait get started, thanks to everyone on this thread for all the info...

Phil

 

[srusso]

I thought the 65K bulb is the one to use, I haven't set up my scrubber yet but can't wait get started, thanks to everyone on this thread for all the info...

Phil

27k is what should be used.
My harvest is now up to almost 2cups per week.


Have a look at this sticky I put together. It has all the ATS info you need. Please post your build and results on the sticky thread when your ready.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1977420

 

[Catchoftheday]

I know this is really old thread , but i will be setting up a 225 Gallon mix reef mostly LPS with some SPS and over time more SPS i was to Make my own ATS and run no skimmer is this a bad idea ? i use to have an ATS on my 70 gallon with a skimmer . thank you

 

[Floyd R Turbo]

To each their own. I've seen it done both ways.

If it were me, I would probably actually stick with a skimmer, but I am of the opinion that you don't need a monster one as long as you have a well constructed and well maintained scrubber that is producing consistent growth.

SPS can be finicky though, so some may be OK with scrubber only. If you go that route though, my suggestion would be to make it larger than the feeding-based guideline states. 1.5 to 2 times as large as what you feed. This will give you a quite a bit of wiggle room in case you need to add more light, more flow, etc.

And bottom line, on a heavy SPS tank, you HAVE to build your scrubber well. No half-@#$ing it.

 

[Catchoftheday]

To each their own. I've seen it done both ways.

If it were me, I would probably actually stick with a skimmer, but I am of the opinion that you don't need a monster one as long as you have a well constructed and well maintained scrubber that is producing consistent growth.

SPS can be finicky though, so some may be OK with scrubber only. If you go that route though, my suggestion would be to make it larger than the feeding-based guideline states. 1.5 to 2 times as large as what you feed. This will give you a quite a bit of wiggle room in case you need to add more light, more flow, etc.

And bottom line, on a heavy SPS tank, you HAVE to build your scrubber well. No half-@#$ing it.

Thank u for your input .