Breaking in an ATS

Buzz1329 · 09/26/2014, 07:12 PM

Not sure if this is right forum for this inquiry so please move to appropriate forum if necessary.

Assume you’ve purchased/built an overflow ATS to deal with minor yet persistent GHA outbreak. You’re already using an efficient skimmer, GFO/GAC, vinegar dosing, reduced feeding, etc. PO4 and NO3 test at 0 – no doubt because the GHA is soaking up residual phosphates and nitrates.

How do you break in the ATS? For example, I’m thinking that if you eliminate GFO, it may stimulate algae growth on ATS, but could also accelerate GHA growth in DT while ATS is maturing over the course of several weeks/months.

So what anti-algae methods should you continue, modify or discontinue while ATS is breaking in?

Thanks,

Mike

silentscream · 09/26/2014, 09:16 PM

I would search and/or post in the algae scrubber basics thread in the advanced forum. I personally wouldn't immediately discontinue anything, but slowly ramp down use of things like vodka and GFO. Just understand screen maturation on a scrubber is different for each tank and could take a while.

ca1ore · 09/26/2014, 09:57 PM

If you have algae growth in the display, then it will certainly grow on the ATS screen as well, so I'd not changec anything until you see that growth. Then you can cut back on GFO, etc.

supra400hptt · 09/27/2014, 08:17 AM

That's what I was going to say. If it's growing in the display, it should grow on the screen with good lighting. I prefer red leds. I'd keep doing what your doing until the ATS was growing well.

Buzz1329 · 09/27/2014, 02:01 PM

Excellent advice.

Thanks,

Mike

09/26/2014, 07:12 PM	#1
Buzz1329 Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Staten Island Posts: 2,414	Breaking in an ATS Not sure if this is right forum for this inquiry so please move to appropriate forum if necessary. Assume you’ve purchased/built an overflow ATS to deal with minor yet persistent GHA outbreak. You’re already using an efficient skimmer, GFO/GAC, vinegar dosing, reduced feeding, etc. PO4 and NO3 test at 0 – no doubt because the GHA is soaking up residual phosphates and nitrates. How do you break in the ATS? For example, I’m thinking that if you eliminate GFO, it may stimulate algae growth on ATS, but could also accelerate GHA growth in DT while ATS is maturing over the course of several weeks/months. So what anti-algae methods should you continue, modify or discontinue while ATS is breaking in? Thanks, Mike

09/26/2014, 09:16 PM	#2
silentscream Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 1,136	I would search and/or post in the algae scrubber basics thread in the advanced forum. I personally wouldn't immediately discontinue anything, but slowly ramp down use of things like vodka and GFO. Just understand screen maturation on a scrubber is different for each tank and could take a while. __________________ Justin

09/26/2014, 09:57 PM	#3
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	If you have algae growth in the display, then it will certainly grow on the ATS screen as well, so I'd not changec anything until you see that growth. Then you can cut back on GFO, etc. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

09/27/2014, 08:17 AM	#4
supra400hptt Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 295	That's what I was going to say. If it's growing in the display, it should grow on the screen with good lighting. I prefer red leds. I'd keep doing what your doing until the ATS was growing well.

09/27/2014, 02:01 PM	#5
Buzz1329 Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Staten Island Posts: 2,414	Excellent advice. Thanks, Mike