Thanks again, SantaMonica. I'm going to go ahead with this project and will post progress as I can.
Thanks again, SantaMonica. I'm going to go ahead with this project and will post progress as I can.
I have decided to build an off-tank scrubber, similar to but larger than the one SantaMonica posted here: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=35. Here's my preliminary design:
Not shown are lights on the far side; I have not decided whether to use additional T5 fixtures or an array of screw-in CFLs. I may add a third T5 fixture on the near side if the two fixtures (total of 56 watts) are not enough. Pump will be 750-800 gph; pump and return will be in filtration area rather than display area. Scrubber will be mounted behind and just above tank. I may enclose the whole thing in a wooden case for appearance's sake, in which case I will add fans.
What do you guys think?
Looks good, if you put T5's on the back. Total of about 100 watts... good for 200 gal.
800 gal/hour with 22" wide will give you a nice 36gal/hour/inch, however you must make sure this is the actual flow produced, expect to loose easily 1/3 (if not half) of the flow from the rating of your pump by lifting the water to the right height, by putting it through curves/bends and pushing it through a slot, so make sure you get a pump that's large enough to give you 800 gal/hour after you take all this into account. Otherwise, as SantaMonica said, make sure you light it from both sides and it looks pretty good
Thanks for the feedback, guys! You've been most helpful. A quick question on reflectivity: I am using acrylic I already have, none of which is mirrored, so what is the best way to make the acrylic more reflective? Paint inside, paint outside, mylar outside, etc.
Paint the outside white.
Thank you again, SantaMonica. It will be a few weeks before I can begin construction, but once I do I will post pictures and progress reports.
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