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.