28 gallon bow tank

[Partsman41953]

Hi all,

I have a 28 gallon bow tank with live rock, sand, yellow wrasse, and 2 clown fish with a dying leather tree coral. I have a couple of questions since I am still new at this. The tank is around 4 years old but ever since I have had it up and running I have had a problem with green hair algae. I have done just about everything to control the algae but to no avail. It saw that someone invented an algae turf scrubber which people say eliminates algae. What is your advice on that.

My next question is that of a sump. I am using a Rena Filstar XP1 filter on the tank with a hang-on Aqueon filter. Do I need a sump on this tank and what is the advantage of a sump? If so, how would I go about building one?

Thanks,

Glenn

 

[jcole]

Glenn, you will need to put more information in to get a good response. As for the ATS been doing some reading myself. I have a 55 and have never been able to keep the algae in check without severely limiting the lights. I just built a simple ATS this past weekend, first thing i have noticed is that I no longer have any scum on the top of the water. My ATS is made from pvc pipe. It has been running for two days and I am already seeing a light green coating on the screen. I would say build it and see. It can't hurt. Good luck.
Jerry

 

[leocom2000]

I have read only good things about ATS so far. There are some threads on the site about it and some builds.
Sump helps to hide the equipment (heater, skimmer, carbon...). It also adds to filtration if you have live rock, filter socks, sponge. In addition to that, it adds to water circulation and volume.
The sump is not necessary, but useful. With the canister filter, you need to clean it often to eliminate detritus build up. I use GFO and turkey baster (blow off detritus off the live rock) to help with phosphate and ultimately algae. I also change 5 Gal in my 30 Gal system per week. It works for me.

 

[leocom2000]

Building a sump requires several major components:
1. An overflow
2. The sump itself that can be an old aquarium with compartments for water inlet possibly with a filter sock, bubble trap, equipment, skimmer, and return pump.
3. Return pump
4. Pluming
You can place the sump under your aquarium or in another room. Some people have fish room for that.
For the 28G, 10G sump should be enough, but the bigger the better.