Converting AQUA Clear 70 to an Algae Turf Scrubber

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#1
1st question was why an ATS? Once I figured out the benefits to an ATS I had to have one. It took a lot of research, homework, and talking to knowledgeable folks such as laffingcrow from SD Reefs to figure out what system was right for me (Thank you Brian, you helped me out tremendously).

I ended up going with an AQUA Clear 70 conversion to an ATS. It has been on my FRAG tank for 2 months now and working like a champ. Works so good my skimmer was not getting anything. So I took the skimmer off.

Why did I go with an ATS? Several reasons, it is on my FRAG tank and I overfeed mainly because I want to get good growth. It was causing my tank to have a lot of hair algae. My water quality was not as good as it should be forcing me to do 2 water changes a week (I still do just because but I could push it out to 2 weeks or more with no problem).

Here are some sources that I did some research on when I was looking for the system for me:
http://www.algaescrubber.net/forums/...c.php?f=9&t=68

http://www.algalturfscrubber.com/

Just do a google search for algae turf scrubber and thousands of sites pop. There are some threads on SCR. Just search for scrubber.
 
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#2
My AQUA Clear 70 to an Algae Turf Scrubber Build

Once I figured what system was good for me, I was ready to get to work. Just had to find the basic items needed for an ATS:
- ATS chassis/ bought used AQUA Clear 70 for $10.00

- Light source/ clip lamp from Walmart $9.99

- Plastic mesh/ I found at Walmart $.75

- Plastic clips/ Had them already. Can buy at Walmart or any grocery store/ just make sure it does not have any metal parts.

In tank shot.

- Bio media/ not needed but I used left over bio media from my fresh water tanks/ which I already had.

So for under $30 I was able to build an ATS.

My ATS build:
Step 1. Cleaned out the old AQUA Clear 70 with an old tooth brush and made sure it worked. Just tested it in a bucket.

Step 2. In the AQUA Clear picture you see item B(media basket). I cut the media basket that fits into the main chamber just above the mesh holes both sides. I wanted the water to flow from the pump freely into the main chamber.

Step 3. I filled media basket with bio media. I found that pods and mysis shrimp love it in there. You could use base rock/ live rock, an aquarium sponge, or bio media like I did.

Step 4. Cut the plastic mesh to fit in the main chamber. Took me a couple of times to get the shape right. I used 4 plastic clips to hold the plastic mesh in place.
NOTE: Ive seen that you need one square inch per gallon of water in your tank. I follow this.

Step 5. Finish putting it together. I put it on the tank and filled it with water. Then I clipped the light from my CPR AQUAFuge to my ATS. On my tank I have a fuge and ATS. You could clip the light to anything (I have mine clipped to my clip on fan); back of tank, you could clip it to the tank canopy if you have one. Then plug in the pump. Make sure the pump has water in it to start it.

NOTE: You need one watt of lighting for every gallon you have in your tank. I follow this. Currently using a 40 Watt Florescent bulb.

I seeded my screen with hair algae I had in the tank. Just pulled if off of FRAGS hair algae was growing on and rubbed the hair algae on the plastic screen (you don't have to do this). Within 3 days the screen was turning green and red. I rubbed the red algae (cyno algae) off with my finger. After a month I was having to clean the screen with my hand twice a week. I am getting a lot of growth. From most threads that Ive read, people clean their screen once a week. They use spoons, old credit cards, plastic algae scrappers.


Happy reefing,
 

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