Starting new tank

[wukkie]

Hi

I am about to start a new tank. it is about 200G, I have already build my ATS about 432" of sufface area. I am wanting to know. Could I use a ATS in conjuction with a vodac dosing. I really do not want to have a DSB, I am looking to run a shallow bed in the DT, and one under the ATS, with live rock.

What are your thoughts?

[SantaMonica]

You should not have to do vodka or anything else, if your scrubber is working properly.

[wukkie]

So, I could get away with just running my ATS, and no skimmer and no DSB. I was thinking of doisng vodac, just to help the process or will it cause more harm than good.

[SantaMonica]

You already have your rock, so a scrubber will do everything you need (if sized/built/run properly). Check the FAQ for vodka info: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=68 (http://www.algaescrubber.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=68)

You might note, that non-vertical scrubbers (which it seems you are building) are weaker and harder to get operating well.

[wukkie]

Yes I am thinking of have a non verticle ATS, can I ask why are they harder to run?
In terms of water changes, would a I able to cut back on the amount of waters changes, what are your thoughts.

[Moe]

Its harder to provide flow to the horizontal scrubbers and they get clogged easier.

Depends what you want to achieve with the water changes. If your mission is to reduce nitrate/phosphate than they replace water changes in that respect. If the mission is to replace trace elements then they do not.

[SantaMonica]

Yes the more horizontal a screen it, the more the algae will block the flow as it grows.

As for trace elements (besides CA, Alk, Mag, and maybe Strontium), they are all supplied in the food you feed.