Ace's ATS v2.0 - LEDs

[SantaMonica]

The problem with sandwiched screens is 3D growth; it will shade much sooner and kill the roots. But it does grow back quicker. They are best used where frequent cleaning is going to happen anyway.

[Ace25]

The only tool I use to clean my screen is an old credit card. Takes about 30 seconds per side and a good rinse afterwards. This leaves a lot of algae still inside the holes to grow back quickly. I have been getting 1 year out of each screen before it needs replacing, and they only cost 33cents each at the local craft store. I bought 10 screens when I first setup an ATS and I still have a few spares left today. I noticed when using any type of brush to clean the screens it could clean them too well because it cleans the algae inside the holes and takes longer to grow back. I've done both dual layer and single layer screens and I think I will stick with single layer from now on. Lesson I learned is you don't need to do really aggressive cleanings once the screen is established with green algae, just a quick swipe with a plastic card to trim it is all it needs, like mowing the lawn.

[SantaMonica]

Unless you have black growth, which really should be removed, even if in the holes.

[wgood33]

All good points. The 2nd best thing about my ATS is the stability it gives to my tank. Had a fresh-water friend over yesterday and he asked me if my tank was the best one on the coast, I said no but it was the most stable tank I know of (ty ATS). So anyway going through a screen change 1x per year, where I have to start anew with the carpet growth is something I want to solve. Not going to hijak your thead here (awesome thread), just thought I'd ask if anyone is using a more hearty screen.
btw- best thing about my ATS is the reduced algae in my display :P

[kerry]

All good points. The 2nd best thing about my ATS is the stability it gives to my tank. Had a fresh-water friend over yesterday and he asked me if my tank was the best one on the coast, I said no but it was the most stable tank I know of (ty ATS). So anyway going through a screen change 1x per year, where I have to start anew with the carpet growth is something I want to solve. Not going to hijak your thead here (awesome thread), just thought I'd ask if anyone is using a more hearty screen.
btw- best thing about my ATS is the reduced algae in my display :P

When you are in need of a new screen wait until cleaning day and rub the old screen all over the new one and rinse, works great.

[kentth]

So how do you tell if you need a new screen?

Kent

[kotlec]

Ace , what is your usefull watt per square inch at the moment ? Im fighting too brown --- too yellow screen.

[kerry]

So how do you tell if you need a new screen?

Kent

When you have big tears, holes, or the screen is to thin to rough up any more. Not sure if others re-roughen their screens or not but, I hit mine over again about every 30-60 or so days when it does not feel as prickly or if the algae is not holding on as good.

[kevin.w.brake]

6 3w OSRAM 660nm LEDs per side, 2 rows of 3 staggard, will give you plenty of coverage, intensity, and spectrum to light one side of a screen. So for a standard 13"x10" screen, 12 3w LEDs total and 1 700mA constant current driver along with heatsink (and fan if heatsink isn't big enough) is what I feel is required to get VERY good growth out of a standard size screen ATS.

http://www.rapidled.com/servlet/the-172 ... Red/Detail (12 LEDs = $66)
http://www.rapidled.com/servlet/the-3/d ... ers/Detail ($18)

So the 2 main components will run you $84 + shipping/tax in california, and add about $26 more for thermal paste and some type of material for a heatsink, and possibly a small fan...

Hello Ace,
Thanks for all the detail you have provided on this project, it is very interesting and helpful.
Has your opinion changed about this?
These 6 LEDs on each side of a 13x10 screen should create a desirable growth rate for a scrubber?

I am planning to make a new ATS and would like to try using LEDs.

Thanks
Kevin

[Floyd R Turbo]

knock on wood, but I have never had an algae detachment issue. I have only re-roughed my screen once in a year and that was about a month after a partial-death due to blocked pump intake. I have scrubbed the screen down extremely well a few times in an attempt to rid the screen 100% of red turf, but it keeps coming back to no avail, but I don't know if that matters that much. I have considered replacing half the screen to see what happens as far as type of growth on the screen.