I feel an ATS works much better. You can build an ATS for almost nothing. I thought I had a ATS for $30 thread here but apparently only on Reef central and reef2reef
If you DIY, I already have roughed up 6x6 screen/plastic canvas, retainer clips, end cap and slotted 1” gray PVC. Not enough room in my sump for it. I always fed mine from the overflow to avoid another pump.
Do a Chaeto swap.
I feel an ATS works much better. You can build an ATS for almost nothing. I thought I had a ATS for $30 thread here but apparently only on Reef central and reef2reef
turf scrubber for sure. when i had an algae reactor i would forget about cleaning it every few weeks and it would start to grow smile. with the scrubber you always grow what you want with no real issues
They don't need much room it just depends on the needs of your tank. If you have a sump you probably have an overflow. That is the perfect place to put one. You might need to lower the water level in the overflow. You can also incorporate the ATS into the weirs in your sump.
How much room does this take up. The sump is kind of small so not a lot of room. There is no reason it needs to be enclosed. Be sure your light can not get wet as most are not water proof. Just get creative.
Santa Monica are pretty similar in concept. Just more space saving. I wouldn’t diy. Unless you are building one to match the ones they check. You will get different results.