For over a year now I have been using biopellets to manage nitrates and phosphates in my system. It has worked well, particularly with nitrates and has controlled phosphates enough for me to discontinue using GFO. Still, annoying algae problems are not completely gone. I would also like to increase my fish population and feed the tank more. So I have been reading with interest this thread http://http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1977420 on RC.
Last month I decided to build one of these myself and see what happens. It was inexpensive and easy. I followed the instructions on the thread except I used LEDs instead of the flourescent bulbs. I got a great deal at Costco for the LEDs. Par 38 bulbs in the exact kelvin range required for $21.00 each! So the pic below is what I got after I finished my build with a good few days of growth on the screen. You scrape the screen once each week.
It has been in operation now for 4 weeks. Each week the algae growth increases, and I am amazed at how much I am scraping off the screen. It really competes with the algae in the display and I am seeing reductions in micro algae on the acrylic. I do not think that this will replace any of my other water management methods like the biopellets or the skimmer, but it appears to be an excellent addition. I know there are others who use this exclusively for nutrient export. I have increased my daily feeding to 9 cubes of mysis, 1/2 sheet of nori and at least one feeding of commercial dry pellet food. So far I think ATS is a very useful tool for us to use for our reefs.
Last month I decided to build one of these myself and see what happens. It was inexpensive and easy. I followed the instructions on the thread except I used LEDs instead of the flourescent bulbs. I got a great deal at Costco for the LEDs. Par 38 bulbs in the exact kelvin range required for $21.00 each! So the pic below is what I got after I finished my build with a good few days of growth on the screen. You scrape the screen once each week.
It has been in operation now for 4 weeks. Each week the algae growth increases, and I am amazed at how much I am scraping off the screen. It really competes with the algae in the display and I am seeing reductions in micro algae on the acrylic. I do not think that this will replace any of my other water management methods like the biopellets or the skimmer, but it appears to be an excellent addition. I know there are others who use this exclusively for nutrient export. I have increased my daily feeding to 9 cubes of mysis, 1/2 sheet of nori and at least one feeding of commercial dry pellet food. So far I think ATS is a very useful tool for us to use for our reefs.