My 3rd ATS Build

[Bridgeport]

Decided to make this one out of Plexiglas instead of the Tupperware containers i have been using.(cost me about $40 for the plexiglass) I have been getting a lot of evaporation so i am hoping this will cut down on some of it. Also it was suggested that i get the lights in a safer place. The way they were before, they could easily fall into the water.I need to make a larger shelf for it so the light on the back will fit . Its a bit wider than i expected. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks Again !!

[SantaMonica]

Much better. And room for another bulb if needed.

[sklywag]

Looks like there is room to make the screen wider and longer which is a good thing. Nice craftsmanship.

[Bridgeport]

Thanks Guys.

[rygh]

Yes, very nice build, nice growth.

It might be quieter if you have the screen go all the way to the water level on the bottom. If it matters.

I am surprised by how high the water level is. Looks to be above the return pipe.
I am curious if you get a siphon flushing effect on the return as well.
If not, and it stays that high, your return might be under-sized, and if it gets clogged a bit over time, could be an overflow issue.
Although it sure looks big enough.
Actually I think that shelf would give first if it filled up. :-)

I really need to find the space for a vertical build.

[Bridgeport]

Yes, very nice build, nice growth.

It might be quieter if you have the screen go all the way to the water level on the bottom. If it matters.

I am surprised by how high the water level is. Looks to be above the return pipe.
I am curious if you get a siphon flushing effect on the return as well.
If not, and it stays that high, your return might be under-sized, and if it gets clogged a bit over time, could be an overflow issue.
Although it sure looks big enough.
Actually I think that shelf would give first if it filled up. :-)

I really need to find the space for a vertical build.
Not getting a siphon flushing effect. The pipe leading into the tank is slightly above the water line. The only time my ats tank ever started filling up was when the pipe was below the water line. And even then, it would fill up about a half inch and then start slowly draining down.(I have holes on the top of the return pipe in the tank for the air to escape) I had checked it several times in case the power went off and back on again just to make sure it wouldn't over flow. I had the screen in the water before on my second build, but I thought I would try it above the water line to get more screen area. The bubbles don't seem to be that bad so I may leave it as it is.
My pump is actually just tied off to the side of the tank. I'm about to set it on a platform I built for it so I don't have to worry about it falling and get rid of the elbow. Also going to replace the shelf that the ats's are sitting on. (there is a smaller one for my 30gal. to the left on its own shelf)

[sklywag]

Are you using silicone on that acrylic? I don't see anything wrong with the suction cups holding pump if it's working.
RYGH. I'm looking to move from horizontal to vertical as well.

[Bridgeport]

Are you using silicone on that acrylic? I don't see anything wrong with the suction cups holding pump if it's working.
RYGH. I'm looking to move from horizontal to vertical as well.
Yes there's a large bead on all the joints. I'm also putting suction cups on the back and securing the Plexiglas to the top of the tank. My pump is constantly sliding down the glass from its weight. That's why I am using the holder.

[Bridgeport]

Rebuilt my shelving today to support and fit the ATS's . Also placed my pump on acrylic shelf in tank. There is much more flow now that I have removed the elbow. The next project will be to build the acrylic box to replace the Tuperware box on the right.

[sklywag]

Very nice.

[Bridgeport]

Finally completed my 30 gal. acrylic scrubber. Below are some pictures of the ATS and the screen before and after cleaning. Seems to be some turf algae growing towards the bottom but in small pieces. This screen was started in Dec. of 2009.

[Moe]

nice. I notice you've done your 3rd scrubber. I think it goes to show that its easy to do, but difficult to perfect. I like your latest one.

[Bridgeport]

nice. I notice you've done your 3rd scrubber. I think it goes to show that its easy to do, but difficult to perfect. I like your latest one.
Thanks Moe. I think the hardest part was getting the silicone bead. The first box leaked and had to be redone. I made the bead much wider on the third scrubber. Shaped an old credit card to spread the silicone bead.Putting the last piece together is difficult because you can't get the caulk gun in the box to apply the silicone. Also shaded the bottom of both scrubbers to try to keep algae from growing in the bottom.