Thinking of an ATS

Reefing Newbie · 09/18/2011, 07:55 PM

So I have some bad algae problems in my display tank(125 gallon) and the algae is starting to grow in the fuge section of my sump. My system is going to be torn down in the next couple of weeks to fix the black frame around the bottom of the tank(needs to be replaced). This is the ideal time to fix any issues with the current tank set up. The entire set up was bought off of craigslist(see sig) and the previous owner underexagerated the algae problems he had. I am testing now to see if the rock has absorbed and is leaching the tap water chemicals into the water to feed the algae(previous owner used almost all tap water, r/o was only used if he got around to going into town to buy some

). I will be getting a new sand bed for sure, which I am sure will help being that I didn't due to time constraints before. I will also be doing a 100% water change for fresh r/o water upon refilling the tank.

Now to my idea of an ATS(algae turf scrubber). So I figured that I am going to need a 10"x12.5" screen for my tank, while using 4x 23 watt CFL bulbs that will be changed every three months. In additoin to that I will be reworking my overflow plumbing so the scrubber is fed via overflow. Now the question is, should I be getting a different return pump to lower my flow down to 350 gph through the sump? I know you don't want to have more than 5x your water volume going through the sump, so would 350gph be too low? I have a mag 12(I think) for a return pump. With the algae scrubber I will be changing my sump design somewhat to accomodate the scrubber. It will be this: scrubber/skimmer ---> Lots of rubble rock(for pods I hope)---> return section. Now I would like to know if this will allow for a large pod population as I plan to have a mandarin down the road(at least would really like one) along with 6 wrasses(I know they eat pods, but once on captive diet I have read they don't go after them very much). Let me know if I am missing anything for the ATS to work properly! Thanks in advance!

dogstar74 · 09/18/2011, 10:24 PM

Instead of cfl why not T5s?

Reefing Newbie · 09/19/2011, 06:22 AM

I thought about t5s but figured that I don't have enough room for a t5 fixture under my stand. The cfl fixture will also be cheaper, maybe not long term but I have to do some figuring out on that.

09/18/2011, 07:55 PM	#1
Reefing Newbie Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,435	Thinking of an ATS So I have some bad algae problems in my display tank(125 gallon) and the algae is starting to grow in the fuge section of my sump. My system is going to be torn down in the next couple of weeks to fix the black frame around the bottom of the tank(needs to be replaced). This is the ideal time to fix any issues with the current tank set up. The entire set up was bought off of craigslist(see sig) and the previous owner underexagerated the algae problems he had. I am testing now to see if the rock has absorbed and is leaching the tap water chemicals into the water to feed the algae(previous owner used almost all tap water, r/o was only used if he got around to going into town to buy some ). I will be getting a new sand bed for sure, which I am sure will help being that I didn't due to time constraints before. I will also be doing a 100% water change for fresh r/o water upon refilling the tank. Now to my idea of an ATS(algae turf scrubber). So I figured that I am going to need a 10"x12.5" screen for my tank, while using 4x 23 watt CFL bulbs that will be changed every three months. In additoin to that I will be reworking my overflow plumbing so the scrubber is fed via overflow. Now the question is, should I be getting a different return pump to lower my flow down to 350 gph through the sump? I know you don't want to have more than 5x your water volume going through the sump, so would 350gph be too low? I have a mag 12(I think) for a return pump. With the algae scrubber I will be changing my sump design somewhat to accomodate the scrubber. It will be this: scrubber/skimmer ---> Lots of rubble rock(for pods I hope)---> return section. Now I would like to know if this will allow for a large pod population as I plan to have a mandarin down the road(at least would really like one) along with 6 wrasses(I know they eat pods, but once on captive diet I have read they don't go after them very much). Let me know if I am missing anything for the ATS to work properly! Thanks in advance!

09/18/2011, 10:24 PM	#2
dogstar74 Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Wyoming Posts: 2,152	Instead of cfl why not T5s? __________________ "If there's nothing wrong with me... then there must be something wrong with the universe!" Current Tank Info: 10 gallon nano with ATS

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09/19/2011, 06:22 AM	#3
Reefing Newbie Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,435	I thought about t5s but figured that I don't have enough room for a t5 fixture under my stand. The cfl fixture will also be cheaper, maybe not long term but I have to do some figuring out on that.