Originally Posted by
ChrisD
Algaenator
Here's some thoughts including things I wish I could do if I had the money and/or time and/or space....
Waterflow through unit
To me the problem here is that, especially if running of the tank overflow, people's' flow will vary. With the diy nature of the current units people do not have such serious issue with widening the slot as they made it in the first place. If, however, they have spent hard-earned cash to buy a pre-made option, taking a dremel to it is less attractive. So, if you had a mini trough on each side above the start of each screen with an adjustable slot in the bottom that would give some versatility. Any restriction on the flow across the slot would be somewhat balanced by a rise in water level in the feeding trough, hence increased pressure throught he slot. You could incorporate an emergency overflow in each feed trough should the slots get blocked. This may also help reduce noise as you could feed the trough with a large diameter pipe.
[color=#0000BF] thanks for reply Chris D. I saw that mini trough idea, is it the one where they cut PVC pipe, placed below a what looks to be a drip slotted spray bar? If so, That is something I do want to experiment with, I think that's what you are talking about and ajust that without having to cut/mod it. I am still looking at ways to let the water flow unrestricted, and then basically cascade/SHEET off onto the Screens somehow. Keys to solution are unrestricted even flow, less clogging, little as possible spray/spattering to eliminate creep and evap. If I come up with something viable I will most certainly share it.
Your point about an assembled unit and flow rates is a good one, It needs to be made clear if using overflows to power it, that It's up to the person how to run the supply of water to the trough, and results here may vary. But its better to try to figure out a method BEFORE that, one which reduces MOST user problems when using overflow power. Using overflow power, yes flow rates will vary depending on return pump sides and head pressure etc.. So a better adjustable method needs to be found before it can be put out on market powered by varied overflow flow rates. I think the overflow flow rate variation problem could be controlled however, by simply diverting some flow (it its too much) or running wide open as In my case. But they must have a MINIMUM amount of return flow rate to make it work.
The reality is, for most users, the most likely option is providing a bundled TESTED dedicated pump used to power it, which can throttled back if needed tuning it just right as the user wants. Also it would not be dependent on overflow rates or give the potential for flooding wither as its just cycling water. Not only that the pump could have a coarse pre filter on the intake (will need cleaning) which could prevent Debris from getting to the slots/holes of the spray bars. (another plus) Iwould like to be able to offer the SCrump as "OVERFLOW POWERED", as an OPTION, though if at all possible. For me, personally, I am a big fan of using LESS pumps as possible as they also ADD heat to the water too, among other things like electric bills and maintenance. So for me getting a proto to work on my own tank using overflows seemed logical and more of a GREEN way to go. If figured i already GOT 900gph circulating through my volume, why not try to use it? [/color]
Lighting
I am using 4 18W CFL bulbs on my 8x11" vertical for my 55g and I have had a 2 degree CELSIUS increase in temparature. This is heat I really don't want! T5HO would be great due to remote ballast, LEDs even better (especially given the lamp replacement frequency). I will probably drop to 4 11W and see if this reduced the heat impact but still provides suitable growth. Make sure you think about avoiding heat input / incorporating fans to provide cooling.
[color=#0040BF] The trough will be fairly open on each side dpending on light source used should cool farily well on its own, but something to consider again, is, this is where being able to use existing flow shines, as you have one less pump heating water as well [/color]
Angle of the screens
Increasing the angle of the screens makes the unit narrower and gets closer to the benefits of the vertical design. Maybe there needs to be some trialling to determine an optimum pitch.
[color=#0040BF] another good point could make screens more vertical since light is centered in middle.. but they do also run more quiet partially angled water slows as it falls, also I put drain line in between them to kinda support the angle[/color]
Hope this helps