Algae Scrubber Advanced
- Thread starter maglofster
- Start date
Floyd R Turbo
Either busy or sleeping
There is a fundamental limit to the amount of algae that can be grown on a screen of given size with given flow and given light from a given source. Word of the day: given :spin2:
As far as limits go, many of them are generally assumed based upon anecdotal data, but not many have been truly (scientifically) tested. Such as the upper limit of copper presence before algae is killed or growth/filtraion is hindered, actual uptake rates of certain nutrients, I could go on but you get the general idea.
I do know that someone did carry out an experiment of sorts to see what effect iron dosing had on growth. It went so far as to dump an entire bottle (I think 500mL) of Kent's Iron/Manganese into a 90 gallon system in one shot. This resulted in a lot of coral mortality, but it gave insight into the scrubber's ability to handle such a large dose. Not scientific either.
Some of these things are tests I might try to perform once I get finished with my LED experiements.
As far as limits go, many of them are generally assumed based upon anecdotal data, but not many have been truly (scientifically) tested. Such as the upper limit of copper presence before algae is killed or growth/filtraion is hindered, actual uptake rates of certain nutrients, I could go on but you get the general idea.
I do know that someone did carry out an experiment of sorts to see what effect iron dosing had on growth. It went so far as to dump an entire bottle (I think 500mL) of Kent's Iron/Manganese into a 90 gallon system in one shot. This resulted in a lot of coral mortality, but it gave insight into the scrubber's ability to handle such a large dose. Not scientific either.
Some of these things are tests I might try to perform once I get finished with my LED experiements.
Psyops
Still Learning
One of you guys mentioned carbonate intake by ATS. My ATS was working ok for 2 yrs. I finally added a Ca Reactor 3 months ago. I noticed immediately that my GHA was growing at an alarming rate. What I noticed was that my Alk readings stayed about the same but my Ca numbers were slowly creeping up. From 400ppm to about 415-425. Everything else staying consistent. Like you guys are saying. Provide more nutrients and your ATS will work better. My calcium reactor effluent dumps before my ATS intake pump. Hope this contributes to any helpful info for you guys.
Just curious as to what peoples take on the idea of using an ats for filtration for breeding. In a breeding setup, lets say for clowns, there is a large amount of feeding going on a large amount of waiste. And there can be a large turnover with fish entering and leaving the system. Plus were talking about growing fish from eggs to adolescents. Does anybody see any issues with an ats interferring with the growth of fish. possibly uptaking too many nutrients or the wrong nutrients that can affect growth in fish. This idea seems like it would be great for a fish breeding system. Just trying to get other peoples opinions to make a good decision for my application.
Dave1NC
New member
Just following along... 
Someone earlier asked about doing water changes when running an ATS. I don't do them in my 240g mixed reef. I do however add ALK, CAL, Mag, Lugol's, SeaChem Reef+ and top-off with Kalk. I've been doing this now for about 4 months and have had good success. I also use Phosban when my PO4 levels start to creep up.
Someone earlier asked about doing water changes when running an ATS. I don't do them in my 240g mixed reef. I do however add ALK, CAL, Mag, Lugol's, SeaChem Reef+ and top-off with Kalk. I've been doing this now for about 4 months and have had good success. I also use Phosban when my PO4 levels start to creep up.
Psyops
Still Learning
Kcress; yes ATS GHA. My Ph is around 8.15-8.22. I guess maybe I have too little CO2 so myATS is using up carbonate. I agree, it is a good thing. My system is healthier as a result, but I dose soda ash in my top off water to keep the Alk around 9. If you have any other ideas on what I could do to maintain alk please let me know.
srusso
Active member
Kalk... In your ATO... Both Kh and Ca
Psyops
Still Learning
I don't need Calcium. My levels are ok from the reactor. Our guess is it's probably the carbonate is beng taken up from the ATS. But thanks for the input. Don't want to minimize your comment by any means. My calcium levels are actually gone up a little.
I also forgot to mention that my Skimmer air intake is from outside. It makes sense that maybe I would have less CO2 in my system. I guess I can experiment and have my skimmer intake from inside the house. Too chicken to change things at this point.
flyhigh123
funky member
The fuge that my ats empties into has a space that is 20 x 12. Should I make a 6" dsb under the ats?
flyhigh123
funky member
I have the other half of fuge with rock
JohnnyB in SD
New member
There should be no need to take up nitrates when you have a properly setup & running ATS. What would be the purpose of using a DSB under an ATS?
Thatgrimguy
New member
Dosing iron to supplement scrubber growth... When is this necessary and how do you go about it?
salty joe
Active member
First, you might want to see where you are and go from there.
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_searchItem.aspx?SearchText=iron test kit&parsed=1
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_searchItem.aspx?SearchText=iron test kit&parsed=1
Thatgrimguy
New member
Well. I guess I should have phrased that better. What levels are acceptable? Do they differ from a system not running a scrubber? What are the actual benefits and disadvantages? What is used to dose iron (is there a specific brand I should be looking for?)
srusso
Active member
As of right now, I am on the third week of test dosing iron. I got a tip on a DIY iron source from normal iron supplements from CVS store brand. Take a pill and let it soften in RODI. Stir well once the pill is completely soft. Allow to settle, 20 mins or so. Dose green liquid and leave fillers at the bottom of the cup. I am doing it once a week. when you does it will cloud the tank water.
I used one pill the first week, saw little change in color of growth. Clouded my 70 gallon for about an hour or more.
I used two pills the second week, saw a generally greener healthier growth by the third and fourth day. It clouded the water for about three hours. No I'll effects noticed and fish or SPS, LPS, Softies, anemones or inverts.
This week (yesterday) I used 3 pills. The growth of the screen is that of a day older. Greener healthier looking growth. Clouded the tank for about 6 hours, corals seemed to love the dose as polyps where fully extended.
Again fish and others seem normal.
This is still something I am testing so do at your own risk. I am using the color and health of the algae harvest as my indicators for more or less dosing. At the moment I am dosing the solution all at once but I may start drip dosing.
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Thatgrimguy
New member
Do you have a thread where you are documenting the experiment? I would love to see your results.
redneckgearhead
Active member
Me too!
