Scrubber design questions

[Adenrow]

I'm in the process of assembling my first reef aquarium and have decided to use an ATS as my main means of nutrient export. I have done a lot of reading on this site as well as others and have several questions regarding design that I'm hoping some of you more experienced ATS fans can help me with. I'm planning to start my ATS when I start my tank and begin the cycling process.

When starting this way how do you size the screen?

Right now my plan is to size the screen and flow for my anticipated feeding load when the tank is established and stocked. To limit the effective size of the screen I would like to limit the amount of screen that is exposed to my light sources by adjusting reflectors or blocking portions of the screen to prevent growth as needed. Using this approach I can have a full size screen and then adjust the screens exposure to a light source as I increase my livestock/feeding load.

My questions are regarding the screen that is not exposed to the light source and the transition area where there is limited light. Does this have any adverse affects? Will the edges that are not adequately lit produce the oil slick looking algae?

Any thoughts or concerns would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Aaron

[SantaMonica]

Welcome.

Starting at cycle is the same sizing; just predict how much you will be feeding eventually.

I probably would not spend the time blocking the screen, because the setup will be too complex and won't be needed later anyway. An exceptions might be to use two completely separate scrubbers; start with one, and add the other later. I prefer three separate scrubbers myself.

[Adenrow]

Thanks for your input SantaMonica.

I put together my scrubber today. Effective screen size should be 7" x 5". Actual screen size is 7" x 7". I extended the screen down to reduce noise.

It's my first shot at bonding acrylic but it looks like it's going to stay together.

[SantaMonica]

How does water get in the pipe?

[Adenrow]

I still have all the sump to DT plumbing to do.

The water will come from my main overflow drain. Planning a herbie full siphon from the first floor to the basement. The line will split just before the scrubber, so I can adjust flow and bypass scrubber for cleaning. The return pump I'm planning should be close to 600 gph, so the flow rate would probably be to high without some form of bypass.

I'm waiting to purchase the return pump until I get everything else figured out. I still have a Landry list of things to complete including, polishing the acrylic of the DT, misc plumbing for mixing station, and some additional wood and electrical work.

Thanks for your input. Any other thoughts are always appreciated. I'm learning as I go and it's a huge benefit to be able to share ideas and thoughts with others that have done this before.

[SantaMonica]

Ok the screen is small enough to just start with it as-is, and let it fill in as you start feeding more.