Hi, I am planning a 20 gallon all-in-one build which is going to be designed to use an algae scrubber and purigen/carbon/ect... as its primary filtration systems. It is intended to be a mixed reef tank. To keep things simple, I plan to have the scrubber integrated right into the false wall's overflow - so there is no water flow whatsoever behind the screen. Is this a bad thing? Should I use some sort of standoff so that water flows like in a two sided screen?
Also, 35 GPH per inch, does it apply if the non lit side of the scrubber is against a wall? Or can I use less?
Additionally, UAS or no UAS? I don't mind the air pump noise, but all things being equal, what are your opinions on UAS vs. no UAS? I am leaning towards waterfall as it is still more proven and there are less unknowns with it. The way my baffles will be set up it should work both ways depending on waterline settings. Or as a traditional refugium with algae for that matter.
I am planning on using some sort of adjustable dam system to control flow in the ATS and media area.
The pump will be a MJ 1200 or 900 depending on whether I can use less than 35 gph/inch in the waterfall section.
Thanks in advance!