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Algal Turf Scrubber units have been used to control water quality in
a wide variety of research and exhibit living ecosystem models. Over 100 ecosystem years
of operation have been logged;
see Dynamic Aquaria. Two of the most extensively researched models are a coral reef
and a Florida Everglades transect from full coastal salinity to fresh water.
The primary function of ATS units on these models is to simulate the moderating effects of
a large body of water in the wild (open ocean, lake or bay). Water qualities, leading
to biogeochemical function equivalent to pristine wild
ecosystems, can be achieved for years to decades with ATS.
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ATS-controlled coral reef microcosm studied after
8 years of closure, showed coral and total calcification rates equal to the best
wild reefs. This reef model also demonstrated the highest proportional biodiversity
ever described for a coral reef, wild or closed. See home page for image.
+ click to enlarge
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+ click to enlarge
+ click to enlarge
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The basal metabolism of the coral reef
model is in middle range of wild reefs.
Carbonate system in coral reef model,
producing 4kg CaCO3/m2/year at the
level of the best 2-4% of wild reefs.
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ATS-controlled Florida Everglades mesocosm, operated in a greenhouse
in Washington, D.C. for 14 years; a 22,000-gallon system ranging from
salt water to fresh water in seven-interconnected units. The dominant
fish vary from unit to unit along the salinity gradient.
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