To scrape or not to scrape ATS

[Heres_doe_]

So when the screen fills up. Does it pull more nitrates and phosphates. Or cleaning the screen will do a better job at doing so

 

[Reefing_addiction]

Good question
Bump

 

[Heres_doe_]

Good question
Bump

Would honestly love to know this

 

[MoshJosh]

As I understand it, you should remove the algae, thereby removing the nutrients, so that new algae can grow continuing the nutrient export process. Is there some sort of optimal amount of algae growth on the screen that maximizes nutrient absorption rates? maybe? But I would just wait until the screen is saturated, scrape the algae, and let the process start again. . . again that is how I understand it. . . I use a refugium. . .

 

[Garf]

So when the screen fills up. Does it pull more nitrates and phosphates. Or cleaning the screen will do a better job at doing so

Scrape 1 side, then quick rinse in tapwater. Then next week, do the other side, and so on. Growth accelerates the longer you leave it (upto a point where the attached parts are light starved and let go), you don't want it to reach that point.