New to the ATS

[MaLi]

Greetings,

I have started my ATS two weeks ago and last evening I've cleaned it for the second time. All that I got was an evenly covered screen with brown algae and some spots with a greenish tint. Post cleaning I was left with a metallic like smell. Is this normal for beginning ? I will try to post some pictures as soon as I get my camera recharged.

cheers,
MaLi

PS. I am trying the ATS as a curiosity after reading this forum for a long time. I have a Sulfur Denitrator that I used for a long time and I took it off line for this experiment. Per latest tests NO3=0, PO4 =0 (with ELOS test kits)

[maglofster]

The brown slime is normal.

[MaLi]

Here are some pictures:

http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/MarianLiliac/ATS/DSC_0028.jpg

http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/MarianLiliac/ATS/DSC_0027.jpg

http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/MarianLiliac/ATS/DSC_0026.jpg

[SantaMonica]

Growth looks fine.

Add some reflectors, even if hand-made

http://www.radio-media.com/fish/BeerCan.jpg

[MaLi]

Thank you Santa Monica. On the surface behind the bulbs (picture 3) you can see that I use some aluminum tape (HVAC type) and the whole surface is reflective. Are you recommending to still add the DIY you suggested ? I am almost to the point of identifying bald spots on the side of the bulbs.

cheers,
MaLi

[SantaMonica]

Yes you really need to catch the light that's going sideways and re-direct it to the screen. It will double your filtering.