making a ATS

Thanks. That's my brother sulcata tortoise Spike. I had one, but had to give it to a better home when I got sick and moved in here with my brother and his family, they did not get along and it was quite a site to see them ramming away at each other. I don't know what my brother is going to do with him when he get's much bigger, he already can push around so much it's crazy.

 

Have you done much research on DIY ATS? I'm no expert. I was reading up on them not too long ago. Seem pretty cool. A couple of guys in the local club run them. Anyway, seems a lot of folks cut a slit down the pipe and put the screen in and hold it that way. They put some other cuts perpendicular every so often. I could not tell you the reasoning behind it, but figured I would throw that in. I could give you a couple links if you were interested.

Your work looks real good and I'm sure it will run great. One of the locals even went to two screens like you have because when he cleaned the single too much would come off. So the double held more and kept going better. Good job.

 

Thanks Powerman. I only did some research, but it was convincing enough for me to try it. I should have posted this link from the start, Algae Scrubbers • Index page it had more info than I needed. I will go back to consult the water flow recommendations they have when I set it up. I think a lot of people use the slit method to hold the screen for simplicity, I mean it can be done really easy if you want to just hang a screen from the pvc pipe feeding it in your sump, and not worry about it splashing. I've had water spilling problems lately, so I'm inclined to do some extra work to feel better. I may end up cutting a line in the spray bar instead of holes, but I wanted to be able to take my screen out with out fully disconnecting my pipe. I'm using 2 screens because I don't like using the bulbs I've got as a directional bulb with a reflector. I think I well get better light with the bulbs hanging free and the screens on the out sides. They recommend 1sq in of screen with light on both sides or 2sq in of light on one side per gal of display tank water. I felt that I would need 2 lights to cover the width of the screen strongly, so if I was to run a screen in the middle and lights on the out side I would need 4 lights for less screen, but this way I will only need 2 lights and I think the algae will grow through on the other side a little even though there is not light over there.

 

Excellent. Sounds like you are putting some good thought into it. Looks great so far. Even with the slit... the local used it to clamp the screen. Yet they also complain that algae growing into it is a problem. with your free standing screen sounds like you will not have that problem.