Algae Turf Scrubber (ATS)

[baker_jeff]

Here is my project log for my ATS.

Unfortunately I don't have a sump, so my ATS will sit on top of the tank. It is low profile, and 18" long (tank is 24"). The screen is a little bit undersized for the size of my tank, so I will most likely be building a longer one soon.

I bought a sheet of acrylic from Home depot for $25. Using the industrial bandsaw at work, measuring and cutting was easy. It sure isn't perfect, but doesn't look terrible for my first real DIY project. I superglued the panels together, and have sealed with aquarium sealant I had kicking around. I hope it's water tight!

I was hoping to use an extra 24" T5HO light I have in the storage room, but I think it will just be too long, so am in the market for a 20" light.

Here are the pics of what I have so far:

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g275/baker_jeff/P1030376.jpg
This is the acrylic box with it's lid in front. I am using 1/2 PVC piping. I have bulkheads, elbows, ball valves on the way from MOPS.ca.

I will be painting the box silver and then flat black to help keep in the light. Will be shopping for a 20" light today as well. Will update the thread soon!

[Rbacchiega]

**tagging along*

I've been reading up on these and they seem like a hell of an idea....

[baker_jeff]

Received goodies from Mops.ca, and purchased a light from Home Depot. The light has 2x 25w Xenon bulbs. I'm not too sure how well this light will work out, as you can see the bulbs are at the extremes of the fixture. We will see. I may be exchanging it for a fluorescent.

Jeff

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g275/baker_jeff/DSC00046.jpg

[baker_jeff]

So that light got super hot, ended up returning it to Home Depot. I am now using a Helios 24" T5 fixture and 11,000k bulb. It grows algea steadily. I noticed some green on there after about 3 days. I did not seed it with anything. It was ready for its first cleaning after about 1 week. I am using a MaxiJet 600 as a pump, it works perfect and pumps water all the way to the end of the screen. Will post pictures of the setup very soon.

I haven't done a water change for a few weeks now. Nitrates are steady <5. They may even be going down slowly. There is a dark red fuzzy algea on the screen that bloomed 1 day after my first cleaning.

The first cleaning of the screen was disgusting! It stunk up the whole house, my wife was super mad LOL. Tis the life of an aquarist!

Jeff

[mseepman]

Really interested in those pics!

[Whatigot]

same same.

[hillegom]

Please, a picture of the ATS set up and running. Thanks

[baker_jeff]

Full tank:
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g275/baker_jeff/DSC00125.jpg

The Scrubber upon initial setup!
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g275/baker_jeff/DSC00050.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g275/baker_jeff/DSC00049.jpg

Current view from the front:
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g275/baker_jeff/DSC00133.jpg

The algea!
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g275/baker_jeff/DSC00134.jpg

Underwater view of the pump:
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g275/baker_jeff/DSC00135.jpg

From the top:
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g275/baker_jeff/DSC00136.jpg

[hillegom]

Looks like it is working well
Thanks for the pics

[baker_jeff]

Just a quick update. Been cleaning half the screen every weekend. Man does it ever stink!!!

Haven't done a water change since this started running, just topups. Nitrates are still <5 on my test kit. Fish are happy and the tank seems to be doing great. A bit of hair algea growing on the glass, hopefully it disappears soon!

Jeff

[wisesam]

I'm thinking to do this with my 45 cube.
Thx for sharing.

[Snaz]

Looks very good but you should still do some water changes to replace the trace elements used by the tank.

[baker_jeff]

Anyone else built one yet? :)

I pulled the box off the top of the tank yesterday to clean it out, and the back panel had warped for some reason, and it all came apart. :sad:

Getting quotes on have a new box professionally made.

Jeff

[hillegom]

Sounds like the heat from the bulb warped the plastic.

[baker_jeff]

Possible, but by the way I had the screen hanging diagonally, the light was sitting furthest away from the back panel, and no light was directly hitting it. All the other panels were fine.

Odd.

[hillegom]

wierd, any other heat source? can't see any other reason for plastic warping

[Mrfish55]

Anyone else built one yet? :)

I pulled the box off the top of the tank yesterday to clean it out, and the back panel had warped for some reason, and it all came apart. :sad:

Getting quotes on have a new box professionally made.

Jeff

You need to use acrylic glue for assembly (you can buy it at Industrial Plastics, weld-on 16 would probably be best for the do it yourselfer) superglue will not hold plexi together for very long (as you just found out) Clean off your silicone and superglue and re-assemble with the proper adhesive and you should be golden, good idea hope it works out for you.

[wisesam]

Where can I find the plastic mesh?

[baker_jeff]

I bought this stuff at Micheals.

[wisesam]

I bought this stuff at Micheals.

That was a quick reply. :D
Thanks, I'll go check it out at Michael's.