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Thread: New attempt - Version 3

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Mar 2010
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    185

    New attempt - Version 3

    After many months of reading this method and after 2 not so successful scrubbers ops: (mainly because of safety reasons) I'm now trying to make my 3rd ATS, hopefully to last long and be a strong stand-alone filter for my 210 + gallons.

    I will use the same pipe i used on my other set-ups mainly because the cut is straight and the flow is even on the screen. Therefore im designing my new set-up based on my existing screen pipe.

    The main idea is to order an acrylic black box, 55cm x 30cm x 27 cm (L - W - H) with an internal clear acrylic box (for the screen) 6cm width.

    Now, my dilemma is to what type of light i will use.

    Its either compact fluorescent 4 pin bulbs 2700k ( 4 x 39 watts - 2 on each side)
    or 8 spiral energy severs 2700k ( 8 x 24watts - 4 on each side)

    I've seen many successful set-ups in here using mainly T5's or compact fluorescent 4 pin bulbs but its much easier for me to install the spiral energy severs. What to you think? As there will be 4 on each side and if installed on the right place there will be not "dark" spots on the screen. If i use the priral ones the plan is to have 2 inches space from the tip of the lamp and the clear acrylic box of the screen. Is tha ok?

    Shall i use the power compact ones?

    The box will be closed so there is not an issue of loosing any light.

    Is the black acrylic ok or the colour does not pay any specific role?

    What do you think?

    Any advice / comment welcomed.

    I want to consider everything before i order the acrylic box.

    Thanks in advance.

  2. #2
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    Re: New attempt - Version 3

    The 8 spiral bulbs is better... more power, and more bulbs to spread the light across the screen.

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Mar 2010
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    185

    Re: New attempt - Version 3

    Thanks for your response.

    I'm a bit reluctant to use the spiral energy savers :?:
    most people in here use either T5's or compact power florescent
    but i will maybe stick to the spirals cos it will be much more convenient for me (lights are ready from my previous ATS)

    The other thing I'm thinking is the addition of reflectors but as the box will be closed (open only 6cm in the middle where the screen will be) maybe i won't need any. Please advise.

    Another question is the appropriate distance i need from the tip of the bulbs up to the insight clear acrylic screen box.
    And I'm asking this because when the acrylics are made then the this distance cannot change.

    Is 1- 2 inches ok?

    Many thanks.

  4. #4
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    Re: New attempt - Version 3

    T5's are the best to use.

    Reflectors are always better.

    The bulbs can almost touch the acrylic. Say about 1/2 inch. The only distance that is important is from the bulb to the screen, and the more flow you have, the closer they can be. T5's can be 1/2 inch, 23 watt CFL's can be 3 inches, 33 watt CFL's can be 4 inches, from the screen.

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Mar 2010
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    185

    Re: New attempt - Version 3

    I have read in another topic that you drain 600galls from 1 inch hole? Is that correct?

    My screen will be 20 inces that is 20 x 35= 700gallons required flow.

    My pump is 735 gallons per hour, good enough for the above. My question is what hole drain size do i need?

  6. #6
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    Re: New attempt - Version 3

    Yes.

    1"

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Mar 2010
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    Re: New attempt - Version 3

    Thanks

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Mar 2010
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    Re: New attempt - Version 3

    Need to order some new sets of screen.

    How can i search for them on ebay.uk??

  9. #9

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Mar 2010
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    185

    Re: New attempt - Version 3

    Thanks mate.

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