New attempt - Version 3

[mikepao13]

After many months of reading this method and after 2 not so successful scrubbers :oops: (mainly because of safety reasons) I'm now trying to make my 3rd ATS, hopefully to last long and be a strong stand-alone filter for my 210 + gallons.

I will use the same pipe i used on my other set-ups mainly because the cut is straight and the flow is even on the screen. Therefore im designing my new set-up based on my existing screen pipe.

The main idea is to order an acrylic black box, 55cm x 30cm x 27 cm (L - W - H) with an internal clear acrylic box (for the screen) 6cm width.

Now, my dilemma is to what type of light i will use.

Its either compact fluorescent 4 pin bulbs 2700k ( 4 x 39 watts - 2 on each side)
or 8 spiral energy severs 2700k ( 8 x 24watts - 4 on each side)

I've seen many successful set-ups in here using mainly T5's or compact fluorescent 4 pin bulbs but its much easier for me to install the spiral energy severs. What to you think? As there will be 4 on each side and if installed on the right place there will be not "dark" spots on the screen. If i use the priral ones the plan is to have 2 inches space from the tip of the lamp and the clear acrylic box of the screen. Is tha ok?

Shall i use the power compact ones?

The box will be closed so there is not an issue of loosing any light.

Is the black acrylic ok or the colour does not pay any specific role?

What do you think?

Any advice / comment welcomed.

I want to consider everything before i order the acrylic box.

Thanks in advance. :D

[SantaMonica]

The 8 spiral bulbs is better... more power, and more bulbs to spread the light across the screen.

[mikepao13]

Thanks for your response.

I'm a bit reluctant to use the spiral energy savers :?:
most people in here use either T5's or compact power florescent
but i will maybe stick to the spirals cos it will be much more convenient for me (lights are ready from my previous ATS)

The other thing I'm thinking is the addition of reflectors but as the box will be closed (open only 6cm in the middle where the screen will be) maybe i won't need any. Please advise.

Another question is the appropriate distance i need from the tip of the bulbs up to the insight clear acrylic screen box.
And I'm asking this because when the acrylics are made then the this distance cannot change.

Is 1- 2 inches ok?

Many thanks.

[SantaMonica]

T5's are the best to use.

Reflectors are always better.

The bulbs can almost touch the acrylic. Say about 1/2 inch. The only distance that is important is from the bulb to the screen, and the more flow you have, the closer they can be. T5's can be 1/2 inch, 23 watt CFL's can be 3 inches, 33 watt CFL's can be 4 inches, from the screen.

[mikepao13]

I have read in another topic that you drain 600galls from 1 inch hole? Is that correct?

My screen will be 20 inces that is 20 x 35= 700gallons required flow.

My pump is 735 gallons per hour, good enough for the above. My question is what hole drain size do i need?

[SantaMonica]

Yes.

1"

[mikepao13]

Thanks

[mikepao13]

Need to order some new sets of screen.

How can i search for them on ebay.uk??

[ShanGo]

Hi m8 this will help you ;)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... fe=sidebar (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110401728951&rvr_id=148849946919&mfe=sidebar)

[mikepao13]

Thanks mate.

[mikepao13]

Finally i can update this post.

I have finally installed the new scrubber.
I have removed the skimmer and now the only type of filtration i use is the live rock and the scrubber.

I have received the two boxes from the acrylic shop and i have diy the rest.

I hope it wil work. :?

The pipe is a 20 inches long and im usung two screens. More or less 170 - 180 total sq inces.
Im also using in total 8 spiral cfl energy savers 2700k
6 x 24 watts and 2 x 18 watts, total 180 watts

[mikepao13]

[attachment=2:2phc48ir]DSC03522.jpg[/attachment:2phc48ir]
[attachment=1:2phc48ir]DSC03524.jpg[/attachment:2phc48ir]
[attachment=0:2phc48ir]DSC03526.jpg[/attachment:2phc48ir]

[mikepao13]

[attachment=2:7urr4d49]DSC03531.jpg[/attachment:7urr4d49]
[attachment=1:7urr4d49]DSC03532.jpg[/attachment:7urr4d49]
[attachment=0:7urr4d49]DSC03535.jpg[/attachment:7urr4d49]

[mikepao13]

[attachment=2:21e7dsms]DSC03538.jpg[/attachment:21e7dsms]
[attachment=1:21e7dsms]DSC03540.jpg[/attachment:21e7dsms]
[attachment=0:21e7dsms]DSC03558.jpg[/attachment:21e7dsms]

[mikepao13]

[attachment=2:30ureicb]DSC03566.jpg[/attachment:30ureicb]
[attachment=1:30ureicb]DSC03572.jpg[/attachment:30ureicb]
[attachment=0:30ureicb]DSC03580.jpg[/attachment:30ureicb]

[mikepao13]

[attachment=0:1ae2qt2y]DSC03583.jpg[/attachment:1ae2qt2y]

[mikepao13]

Timerfor lights is set to 18 on and 6 off.

Hopefully it will work.

I will do all water tests soon and keep you updated.

Please let me have your comments...

Thanks.

[mrbncal]

Wow that looks great. Are you gonna put reflectors behind teh bulbs?

[SantaMonica]

Same question here. Or you could line it with foil. Otherwise I really like it.

[mikepao13]

Thanks guys,

I did not think about it cos the box is closed on top with the acrylic black cover.

I can use foil wrapt around the cover or??

[SantaMonica]

The foil would line the inside of the wall and lid. Or you could just get reflectors.

[mikepao13]

Thanks i will try that.

I will leave it as is for a couple of weeks, make two cleanings and see the progress.

Is it always necessary to add iron for the algae?

[SantaMonica]

Only if yellow, and if you can't increase flow.

[mikepao13]

Thanks.

Today its the 4th day and ill keep you upadated.

[Floyd R Turbo]

+1 on iron if yellow and low flow. Here's mine at the end of week 3 (ready for 3rd cleaning) I have to redo the slot tube, I have a flow issue with the pump related to the return hose so right now I have to deal with it and do iron dosing until I have time to fix the problem.

http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt191/FloydRTurbo/Customer%20SW%20Aquarium/2010-11-01%20ATS/IMG_8785.jpg

Yours looks pretty powerful. Make sure that clear box is watertight. On mine

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=743 (http://www.algaescrubber.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=743)

I only have 2" of 'reservoir' at the bottom and had to add a 2nd drain or else it would have probably overflowed by now. Today I noticed that the algae is growing under the water line in the box and slowing the flow - like the 3D growth SM gets in his after 2 weeks! Pretty sweet, so I know it's working but probably not a 'full strength'. If my pump fix doesn't work I'll have to scale the screen size back.

This was my first attempt too. It's a little more complicated than I thought. But we're all learning!

[mikepao13]

Hi guys,

since the first day of my ats, 28/10/2010, i have made four cleanings

pics below only from first two cleanings, but on other two algae coloure and grow was almast the same

this is week one
[attachment=1:bl7j9rtb]1st.jpg[/attachment:bl7j9rtb]

below second cleaning
[attachment=0:bl7j9rtb]2nd.jpg[/attachment:bl7j9rtb]

now the screen is due for the 5th cleaning. The algae is too dark, is anything i need to change?
i'm thinking to wide the slot cos is not even 3mm wide, even smaller in some spots.
Another problem is that the inside "clear" acrylic box, cannot be removed from the big black one because the acrylic bend from the heat!!!!! and i have issues cleaning the inside. Not because is small, but because the water level remains to 1cm and if i try and clean/rub the dirty slimy stuff, everything will end up in the sump below, except if i use a womens tightsox around the drain pipe to collect all the s%^&.

Please comment and advise.

Thanks.

[SantaMonica]

You could put a steel bar across the black box, to keep it spread apart. Then you can remove the clear inside box to clean the bottom.

Otherwise it seems fine. Don't worry about the slot. After another few cleanings it should start turning green.

[mikepao13]

Thanks for your comments and advice.

So, not to worry much for the cleaning of the box, i can clean inside with a spoon and kitchen towel.

As for the slot, shall i leave as is for a couple of more cleanings and see the progress? Do you think i will need a iron supplement?

[SantaMonica]

Iron is only needed if it is yellow and you cannot increase flow.

Leave it.

[mikepao13]

Thanks SM

i will update soon.

[mikepao13]

I have done cleaning number 6 today. The growth was pretty much as picture above, much less dark algae though. I have noticed that both screens have small RED algae attached. Is that a good sign?
What is the average period for a new scrubber to have a green turf growth?

What do you think about this one?

Thanks.

[SantaMonica]

Moving in the right direction. Red is not good or bad. What really matters is N and P.

[Floyd R Turbo]

How has the box warped?

My dad works with acrylic quite a bit, and I've done some research as well. Acrylic warps due to heat, if it's too thin. What you need to do is make some brace pieces in the corners, or all long the sides perpendicular to the sides to keep the acrylic from warping.

Acrylic will also warp away from moisture. This is because acrylic is part water actually, and porous, so it absorbs water and the wet side expands. This is why to see those thick acrylic tops on acrylic tanks curling - it's not because of the heat, at least not completely.

So it's possible that the inside box is getting too warm (unlikely, because of it's proximity to water), warping due to moisture and being to thin (more likely)

[mikepao13]

Thanks for your response.

I cant see the reason for it because the box slites througt rails and fits exacltly.

I will post some pics.

THinking to have another one a cm smaller both in length and width but its more money to it.

Hopefully i will get some good green turf algae and the box can be fixed anyway ;)

[mikepao13]

I'll do the cleaning today, but screen looks dark again.

It's running since the 28th October, but still not much green.

I know that my N and P are very high, but how long do you think i need?

I will post some "fresh" pics tonight before and after cleaning.

All of you successful ATS users:

How long did it take you to start having good green growth and see results on you N and P tests?

[felps]

All of you successful ATS users:

How long did it take you to start having good green growth and see results on you N and P tests?

Took about 8 weeks for full screens of green,
every 3 or 4 days before that I scraped off all dark and light brown algae.
till eventually it came good.

[mikepao13]

every 3 or 4 days before that I scraped off all dark and light brown algae.
till eventually it came good.

every 3 - days!!!!

Ok, thanks, i will try that as well.

[Floyd R Turbo]

I had a green screen in at about the 3 week point, then at about 4 and 5 weeks it was really thick and stringy. I started with zero N and low P though. I only did weekly cleanings, but SM has said before that if you have high nutrients you need to clean every 3 days or even every 2 i think.

[mikepao13]

This is today's cleaning.

I will clean every 3-4 days now until green algae grow better.

[attachment=1:330j2zot]DSC00616.jpg[/attachment:330j2zot]

This is just from one screen and not fully cleaned.

[attachment=0:330j2zot]DSC00620.jpg[/attachment:330j2zot]

[mikepao13]

Another two cleanings done i still verry dark growth.

I have slightly widen the slot to increase flow cos it was a bit thin and the flow now is not even.

How can i even the flow now. Is there any technic?

[wmilas]

Rip it on a table saw, or upside down with a plunge saw/slide.

[SantaMonica]

Just let it grow. When the screen fills up, it should even out.

[mikepao13]

Thanks for your comments but its difficult to find someone who has a table saw.

I will wait to see whether a manual cutting (widening) using a stanley knife can fix things up.

This is my third attempt to create a good ATS filter. I have spend some money for the acrylic box and lights to overcome any problems.

This ATS has been used since the 28th October 2010 - almost TWO MONTHS WITH NO RESULTS.

Im still trying to get green algae but i think the problem was the flow. Now the flow is more and hopefully it will help things.

[SantaMonica]

I think it's going fine. Run it the way it is for a while. More flow is not going to help dark growth. More flow only helps yellow growth.

[mikepao13]

OK, thanks for your advices and guidance.

Any idea why its taking so long? Is it my system, maybe too "dirty"??

I will keep you posted.

[mikepao13]

Started with
NO2= 0
NO3=100+
PO4= 1-2

After two months with no green growth - and as described above

NO2= 0
NO3= 25 - 50
PO4= 0.5

Seems that its working, but again, im not satisfied with the growth. Maybe im not very good in dealing with patience.

How low N and P needs to be for adding some corals? Can i make an attempt?

[wmilas]

Your nitrate is still too high for most corals. You can add mushrooms and softies at this point. If it makes you feel any better your N&P have come down more than you think. Your rock/sand is leaching it back out into the water and you are removing that along with whats in the water. The amount bound up in your rock is probably magnitudes higher than whats in the water. So, my point is, you are doing a great job. Add a few mushrooms, maybe some ricodia. You can add a clam if you have the lighting for it too btw.

[mikepao13]

wmilas, thanks a lot.

I will visit a local store this week and see if theres anything for me :)

i will clean today and post some new pics

Do you guys have any adia WHY NO2 is 0 and NO3 is high?

[SantaMonica]

Because that's how it works... bacteria eat NO2 and convert it to NO3.

[dr.moro]

Greetings to all!

Iron supplements - the simplest option is a small iron nail. Just do not laugh, let's do the calculations:

I use the metric system, unfortunately.

So ....

The normal iron content in sea water 0,05-0,2 mg / liter. Mean of 100 liters of water can contain up to 20 mg of iron.

1 cubic millimeter of iron weighs 7.8 mg.

That means 2.5 cubic millimeters of iron (small nail) can raise the maximum level in every 100L (20gall). Iron gradually dissolves and is oxidized in seawater.

That 's my brutal idea ;) .

[wmilas]

the problem with an iron nail is that there is no certainties that its pure. If there is copper in the alloy... watch out. Death machine. Now if you could get a small block of .999 fine iron.. thats a different deal altogether.

[SantaMonica]

Not a bad idea to try... at least you cannot overdose it.

[dr.moro]

I agree... danger of the unknown composition of the steel ...

But .... In the brand-name trace supplements ?opper is included...
(It was a revelation to me.)

In addition, scrubbers remove copper, is not it?

[SantaMonica]

Yes. But it is not knows how much.

[mikepao13]

Greetings to all!

Iron supplements - the simplest option is a small iron nail. Just do not laugh, let's do the calculations:

I use the metric system, unfortunately.

So ....

The normal iron content in sea water 0,05-0,2 mg / liter. Mean of 100 liters of water can contain up to 20 mg of iron.

1 cubic millimeter of iron weighs 7.8 mg.

That means 2.5 cubic millimeters of iron (small nail) can raise the maximum level in every 100L (20gall). Iron gradually dissolves and is oxidized in seawater.

That 's my brutal idea ;) .

:?: :?: :?: :?: :?: :? :? :? :? :?

cannot follow you guys, please expain. Do you mean an iron supplement? What is an iron nail? Sorry, but i lost you somewhere :D :D :D :D

[SantaMonica]

Yes, iron for the algae. If you have lots of green scrubber growth (which means lot of filtering), and if you do not feed nori, then you may be iron-limiited and the scrubber growth will start turning yellow. Adding iron (like Kent's Iron+Manganese) turns it back to green. He was saying you can just put a pure-iron nail in, and let it corrode. I've never tried this.

[sklywag]

I've read where Pual B on RC has added nails to his set up.

[mikepao13]

Are you serious???? A pure iron nail in the sump and leave it there to rust????

R we sure that iron will be the only stuff to realised in the water? And will it be sufficient??

[SantaMonica]

No guarantee. But algae does eat metals, including copper, so if you want to experiment...

[mikepao13]

At the moment, the growth i get is a black / brown slime, as per pics above and its better i believe not to add iron now, right?

Hopefully this will change soon and screen will start growing the proper thing!!!

[SantaMonica]

Iron only helps if the algae is yellow.

[mikepao13]

Hi guys,

After 3 months (almost) i keep getting the very dark slimy growth.

I do something wrong? or i'm a bit impatient?

[SantaMonica]

More light.

[mikepao13]

Screen is 170 - 180 sq inches and i have 180watt....

[SantaMonica]

CFL is not efficient like T5, because CFL concentrates the light in one spot. But you have no room for more light, so just wait more weeks... it will eventually turn green and the nutrients come down.

[mikepao13]

I will test tomorrow N and P and advise.

Last test though showed that nutriets are folling down...but growth is not the expected for a 3 months screen. This, worries me a bit....

[SantaMonica]

Don't worry, be happy

[mikepao13]

I found attached on the pipe in the overflow pieces of hair algae

Shall i attach some on my screen?

[SantaMonica]

Only if you can get it to really stick.

[mikepao13]

i will give it a shot.

I will try to pass it through the holes of the screen and see.

[dr.moro]

Information for thought:

http://vitawater.ru/aqua/papers/ap/pict/iron/img18.jpg

This nails in canister filter.

http://vitawater.ru/aqua/papers/ap/iron.shtml - article in russian aquarists magazine.

This freshwater experiment, of course. But there is something to think about!

[SantaMonica]

I'm going to try some experiments with nails too.

[mikepao13]

[attachment=1:3qya8esl]DSC00628.jpg[/attachment:3qya8esl]


[attachment=0:3qya8esl]DSC00629.jpg[/attachment:3qya8esl]


:?: :?: :?: :o :o :o :o :? :? :? :( :( :(

[mikepao13]

As per above pics, my ATS is not fully operating...

Possible corrections / changes:-

New Bulbs
Add some reflectors
Make/Order a new pipe

It’s running since 28/10/10 with no green turf growth yet!
I know it’s time to change my bulbs but still, cant understand what the problem is.

N & P has fallen though.

Any comments?

[SantaMonica]

Looks like it's working to me. That's why the nutrients fell. Flow looks good. Stronger lights will speed it up, both otherwise it will get there anyway.

[jaczal]

Maybe someone need?
Two days ago I put 20 pieces into 2-inch screws in the sump timber. The water flow of about 1500 liters / hour. When I checked after 1.5 hours, the iron content (test JBL) is jumped from 0 to 0.1 mg / l of course, I immediately removed them and waited, until the iron drops to 0.0.
Today I put only 3 screws and 3 hours after I obtained a value of between 0.02> 0.05 mg / l. The circuit I 200l of water (about 50 gallons).

[Floyd R Turbo]

What are your N and P readings?

If you don't have any reflectors built into the black box, I would make some. Even aluminum foil will be better than nothing, relfect that sideways light around a little bit.

As for the fixtures, I know you said early on in this thread and CFLs are easier for you, but you can buy 24" 2-lamp and 4-lamp T5HO fixture on eBay that may fit in there and would probably work better:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... K:MEWAX:IT (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110648722464&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... K:MEWAX:IT (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110637056131&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT)

[fajars2003]

just like mine, until now i didn't get any green algae

[mikepao13]

Jaczal:-
Thanks mate, ill definitely try that, after i stop getting that thick dark growth.

Floyd R Turbo-
Thanks mate, i want to make it work this way first and if not make it ''green'' see other ways to update lights. At the momment i want to add some reflectors, change bulbs and wait to see if the reflectors was the problem. Cant find any and thinking ways to diy some.

I feel the problem is the flow and the whole pipe screen part, not lights but well see.

[mikepao13]

SM,

Are these lights suitable?

http://www.current-usa.com/lighting/tru ... riplights/ (http://www.current-usa.com/lighting/truelumen-pro-led-striplights/)

[SantaMonica]

No, too low wattage, too high K, and too narrow light spread.

[mikepao13]

Hi guys,

Its been quite some time since my last update but im still struggling to get GTA.

I have added some aluminium foil ''reflectors'' in my design for couple of weeks now, fixed the flow and noticed a slight improvement on the growth i get.

I have been very very patient with my diy ATS setups until now (this one is running since 28 October 2010!!!!!) but im starting to have my doubts about it.

I will try to add some proper reflectors this weekend as a FINAL effort to make this work properly. I have also ordered some iron to encourage the growth of green algae.

See pics below.

Aluminium foil reflectors.

[attachment=2:2u08aja6]DSC00694.jpg[/attachment:2u08aja6]

[attachment=1:2u08aja6]DSC00695.jpg[/attachment:2u08aja6]

This pic is from the last clean. Note the small green part.

[attachment=0:2u08aja6]DSC00779.jpg[/attachment:2u08aja6]

[mikepao13]

I will try to add the arcadia t5 reflectors on the space where the aluminium foil sheets are.

I will cut in pieces and fill up that space. Hopefully it will increase the illumination and make it finally work properly.

Shall i clean more often?

[SantaMonica]

All your pics did not show.

There is some green; it is not black. Let it go 10 days instead of 3.

Do you have a mirror on the lid?

This is all because of the limitations of CFL bulbs. It's hard to get all the light onto the screen without burning the part closest to the bulbs.

Also, The flow is blocked at the end of the pipe. Have you been taking the screen and pipe out, and cleaning the slot every time?

[Floyd R Turbo]

What is your flow rate into the pipe? Test it and get the actual reading, not the calculated reading from your pump curve/head.

[mikepao13]

Thanks guys,

Flow from pump is 735g/h. The flow problem at the end of the pipe - screen has been fixed and now the flow is very good.

Its not morrors. Its aluminium foil. I will try to add some reflectors too. There are not much that i can do im afraid....ill give it some more time.

Do you think the addition of iron will help the process? Do you guys find this growth ok?

[Floyd R Turbo]

Is that the flow rate measured coming into the actual slot tube (like if you disconnected the screen and measured the flow rate) or is that the calculated flow rate based on the manufacturer's spec and calculated head-feet of backpressure?

[SantaMonica]

It's not iron, otherwise it would be yellow.

[mikepao13]

i wll clean tomorrow and post some pics. No, the flow is not actually calculated but i beleave now the flow prob is over. Hopefully flow is good and lights are enough so finally it will work.

If not iron then what do you think will help?

[linx]

from what i've read then it's time, for some reason your balance is off but your scrubber is working.
you should focus more on the parameters then on the color of the algea, i think it will be green when the balance is stable.

[mikepao13]

Hi linx,

what do you mean balance

[mikepao13]

Cleaned today

Compared to pics above, now the flow at the end of the pipe is increased and now the water is evenly spread across the screen
[attachment=2:2ftzp389]DSC00787.jpg[/attachment:2ftzp389]

This is after the addition of a t5 reflector on top of the two top bulbs...hopefully will help...i did not put on the oposite site just to see if there is any change in growth
[attachment=1:2ftzp389]DSC00790.jpg[/attachment:2ftzp389]

One site - note the growth started at the end as well
[attachment=0:2ftzp389]DSC00791.jpg[/attachment:2ftzp389]

[mikepao13]

This is the other side

[attachment=0:13a7iaiv]DSC00793.jpg[/attachment:13a7iaiv]

What do you think?
Note that its been running since 28 oct 10.
Had some N and P drop but still strugling hard....

:oops:
:x

[mikepao13]

This is a clip of the flow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLP0UsUBrHM

[SantaMonica]

I think I know what it is. Every design I've seen that points the CFL bulbs at the screen, and does not use real reflectors, seems to not grow green. This would make sense, since most of the light coming out of a CFL bulb goes sideways, and only the very tip part of the bulb goes forward.

Can you put some real round reflectors in there?

The flow seems better, although you can only really tell if you lift the screen up and see it flow off the bottom.

[mikepao13]

I cannot find any round cfl type reflectors , and if i do, i will only fit two on each side
4 do not fit :(
seems that i dont have any option

do you think it will stay like that
....so bacycally is not working properly? :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops:

[Floyd R Turbo]

Find a way to DIY some reflectors that are round and will fit in the space. Try to mimic the ones you can buy. Even pieces of reflective mylar wrapped in a cone shape would be an improvement.

[SantaMonica]

Also a mirror on the lid would help.

[mikepao13]

Hi there

I cannot put cfl reflectors - cone shared.
They will not fit and i cannot find any anyway

Its getting on my nerves -- i don't want to fail again

Acrylic is expensive in Cyprus and for a new design i will need a good budget....AGAIN

i have tried 3 times with 3 different designs............. :|

SO DO YOU BE LEAVE IT WILL NOT WORK?????

[mikepao13]

Can i use reflector lamps? or not recommended?

[mikepao13]

I think I know what it is. Every design I've seen that points the CFL bulbs at the screen, and does not use real reflectors, seems to not grow green. This would make sense, since most of the light coming out of a CFL bulb goes sideways, and only the very tip part of the bulb goes forward.

Can you put some real round reflectors in there?

The flow seems better, although you can only really tell if you lift the screen up and see it flow off the bottom.

Why then other cfl designs do work??

[SantaMonica]

Yes in your case, you should try them. 23 or 26 watt bulbs.

[mikepao13]

ok thanks,

is this ok?

http://www.thelightingsuperstore.co.uk/ ... ctid=29448 (http://www.thelightingsuperstore.co.uk/product.asp?productid=29448)

[Floyd R Turbo]

Most CFL designs either have the lights hanging (tip of bulb pointing down) and have a reflector behind them, or if they are pointing tip-to-screen, the have a round reflector to direct the sideways light toward the screen.

[SantaMonica]

I don't think that's fluorescent.

One like this:
http://www.thelightingsuperstore.co.uk/ ... ctid=47602 (http://www.thelightingsuperstore.co.uk/product.asp?productid=47602)

[mikepao13]

Hi guys,
i want to save the idea of the ATS on my tank and its either update the light units of my current design or build - spend more on a new one....
This is a pic of my current ATS for easy reference
if these lights http://www.juwel-aquarium.de/en/high_li ... tm?cat=647 (http://www.juwel-aquarium.de/en/high_lite_light_units469.htm?cat=647) fit in the acrylic box i will try them out. I dont want to loose this battle so easy and seek alternative filtration :evil:

[attachment=0:20wm1yux]DSC03572.jpg[/attachment:20wm1yux]

i will remove the cfl's, close the holes and try to fit the unit in the middle and very near to the screen box.
The unit is designed in a way that the tubes are a bit close to each other. is this enough to cause a problem i.e. make the light not spread good on the 20 x 8 screen? because i should place the unit close to the screen right?

Please comment / advise.

Thanks.

[Floyd R Turbo]

Dude, that's perfect. I don't know why you didn't try that back when you designed it!

Just for reference, the Nova Extreme 1127/1124 fixture used on the Santa Monica 100 has the lamps about 1 to 1.5" apart and a single reflector. This fixture looks like the lamps are about 2 or 3" apart, and individual reflectors. This will work a ton better than what you're running right now. Not sure how many you will need, but 2 per side will be better than the CFLs you're running now.

Make sure you get 3000K lamps. If you're overseas, I'm not sure if you can get these but here's what I use:

https://www.aghydroponics.com/T5-2Ft-Gr ... l24830.htm (https://www.aghydroponics.com/T5-2Ft-Grow-Bulbs-24W-HO-3000k-p/litbulbt5-pxfl24830.htm)

https://www.aghydroponics.com/T5-2Ft-Gr ... 248304.htm (https://www.aghydroponics.com/T5-2Ft-Grow-Bulbs-24W-HO-3000k-4pack-p/litbulbt5-pxfl248304.htm)

[mikepao13]

Thanks mate

looking to put one each site!! would that be ok?
how close should the light be?

there are some jewel lambs (the same make as the unit)
the closest k is the 4100k one for plant growth http://www.juwel-aquarium.de/en/high_li ... tm?cat=692 (http://www.juwel-aquarium.de/en/high_lite_tubes_nature451.htm?cat=692)
and the warm light http://www.juwel-aquarium.de/en/warmlite59.htm?cat=51

[Floyd R Turbo]

24W 24" lamp is high-output (HO) I don't know what they call it over there. The 15W is not HO, and may not be 24".

Since a watt is a watt, the lamp you can get through AG hydro is the same configuration that you would use I would think. I would call them and double check, then for international shipping it would probably be worth it to get at least 8 if not more.

[SantaMonica]

One bulb per side will not be enough. Needs 4 per side to cover that screen.

[Floyd R Turbo]

Oh yeah - 210 gallon system, 8x24W = 192 W....I missed that.

Your growth will skyrocket with the T5HOs...

[mikepao13]

No, not one bulb per side...but one unit per site - each unit is 2 x 24

[Floyd R Turbo]

Yeah, but you will need equivalent watts for the tank water. Right now you're using 8 x 23W CFLs You need 8x24W T5HOs. So if each unit has 2 lamps, you need 2 units on each side.

[mikepao13]

The plan was to put two tubes (one 2x24w unit) on each site

A unit of 2 x 24w is approx Euro 80. Cannot get four now - plus im a bit reluctant whether this will work or not...again and dont want to spend money for no reason again

I've seen some designs in here of people using approx the same size screen size as mine but with 2 tubes each site...with quite good results

how efficient is that?

[Floyd R Turbo]

having only 2 tubes on each side would meet the bare minimum of 0.5 watts per gallon.

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=68 (http://www.algaescrubber.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=68)

But I think in your case, it would be better than the CFLs oriented as they currently are. I think you should start by putting 2 fixtures on one side (all 4 lamps). Then on the other side, see if you can work on making better reflectors for the CFLs. This way, you're taking a step forward, because you will have 1) more watts of lighting power, overall, and 2) proper coverage on at least one side of the screen, versus minimum coverage on both sides (which is what you have now).

[mikepao13]

Many thanks for your response.

This is a very interesting approach and i will possibly go that way. Put two units (4 tubes) on one side and after few paycheques :D add another two on the other side.
This way i can also monitor the change and differences between the two sides of the screens.

[linx]

Hi sorry for the late reply, test week!
What i meant was that the closer your parameters get to zero the greener your growth get.


Black/oily growth, but no green: Clean every last bit of it off every three days.

Dark brown growth, but no green: Clean all of it off every 4 days.

Light brown growth, but no green: Clean most of if off every 5 days.

Mostly brown growth, but some green: Clean all of the brown off every 6 days, but leave some of the green.

Half brown and half green growth: Clean most of it off every 7 days.

Mostly green growth: clean most of it off every 10 days.


but it looks like you have nailed the problem.