Algae Turf Scrubber and lighting

[Triggreef]

Anyone run a waterfall ATS? What are you using for lighting? I tried to go cheap and low power which worked ok at first but I really need to get a little more lights I think. Now that the acrylic has some algae on it I'm not getting enough light to power through it to the screens.

I also need to re work some other things but its not worth doing until I get some better lighting. Would like to stick with leds for this.

 

[DFW]

I have used the curly fluorescent bulbs, one on each side, for several years now.

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[Triggreef]

No kidding, what wattage are you using and how is the growth?

 

[DFW]

On the 10" reflector side 23 watt, and the 8 inch reflector side 19 watt. If I could find higher wattage bulbs that would fit in the reflectors I would use them instead. I clean it every 3 weeks. I guess the growth is good. It should probably be cleaned every 2 weeks because it is very thick growth in the circle of light.

 

[Masedaddy]

I think Ca1ore uses the ReefBreeders Red LED growth bulb on his ATS. He gets great growth on the ATS. I would ask him to be sure. He lives in Stamford

 

[DrBoxedWine]

I'm using a 5000k Phillips PAR 38 LED bulb with a 120 watt rating (actually only uses 22 watts or so) in my refugium. I'd say my chaeto is doubling in size ever 2 weeks or so. I know it's not an ATS, but i figured i'd toss that out there. I think 1 on each side of your ATS would get some major growth.

 

[Bad Company]

Regular warm white 23W actual cfls work best for me. had to go with a par 38 LED due to space on one side.

 

[Triggreef]

Thanks Mason I'll get a hold of him. And thanks everyone for the suggestions. I think I need to clean it more often but I'm going to give some thought to changing lights. I think some of the problem is I didn't make the tank part of the container wide enough so I gtt algae even on the acrylic which then blocks light going to the screen, cuz the water gets everywhere inside mine.

I'm also thinking of plumbing in a drain with a ball valve to drain it into a bucket as I clean it out. In an attempt to be able to clean it with it running. Then I can just incorporate it into my water change routine, or lack there of. lol