whats a hole saw?
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whats a hole saw?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hole_saw
Many come with interchangeable circular "hole cutters" that can be hand held to rough up the plastic screen as described on algaescrubber.net.
I tried very rough sand paper, dremel tool and found that my hole saw just as described worked better.
The reason you want to rough up the screen is in the beginning few weeks you want the screen to "catch" as much algae that flows through and over the screen.
... and be prepared for your screen to take up to 5 weeks before it will control all of the nutrients in your system and that's only if you have enough light and water flow... two very important details.
If you don't know anyone with a hole saw... then bring your screen over and you can use mine... it will take 20 min.
Look here for my Tanks
20 Gal. mixed reef, 9000k/, 455nm LED's, ATS algae filter: no skimmer
http://www.sdreefs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67120
3.3 Pico Softy tank
http://www.sdreefs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72222
Can I just stand on it and do pirouettes on the pavement then wash it in ro/di water before the install?
Look here for my Tanks
20 Gal. mixed reef, 9000k/, 455nm LED's, ATS algae filter: no skimmer
http://www.sdreefs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67120
3.3 Pico Softy tank
http://www.sdreefs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72222
So I picked up a sheet from michaels for 54 cents, they didn't have 13 but they did have 14 and 7. So I opted for the 7 since you said bigger holes are better. I also went with stone ware blue cause they were out of white. Lol
Finally finished putting the finishing touches on it. I actually cut the top part of the aquaclear to put over the return flow chamber (not the side the has the screen) to minimize any splashing noises or splash on the the clip on light.
Does the screen absolutely have to be right on the water level or can it be a slight bit under?
Shoot I just noticed I didnt cut the media basket low enough, should I cut it or do you think I will be alright, it seems to have a good amount of flow? Or is more flow better?
Last edited by supaboy1981; 08-22-2010 at 12:29 AM. Reason: mistake!
More flow is better and keep the screen at the surface as much as possible.
With more flow across the algae the ATS works better than a refugium... if the screen is too far under water then it is more like a regular refugium and the growth is not as good.
Look here for my Tanks
20 Gal. mixed reef, 9000k/, 455nm LED's, ATS algae filter: no skimmer
http://www.sdreefs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67120
3.3 Pico Softy tank
http://www.sdreefs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72222
Alright I just cut the top off and the flow seems better, I am sure once a film develops over the screen in a few days it will be even better.
Here are the pics
this pic you can see the half cut cover to prevent splash
Thinking about super glue the mesh to the spout part of the filter, I dont know if I like those clips being visible at the top of my tank
It also gives me a good spot to put my grounding probe and digital therm probe
The clips make it easy to take the mesh screen out and clean it. I have to clean mine twice a week. If you glue it you will have to clean it in place on the Aqua Clear. It will make a mess in your tank. I don't recommend it. See if you can find smaller clips for the top. Make sure the new clips don't have metal in them.
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