JohnnyB in SD
New member
Yeah, those dome reflectors focus the light in the center.
The ones srusso uses in Post #2 spread it better.
Algae Scrubber Basics
- Thread starter srusso
- Start date
Yeah, those dome reflectors focus the light in the center.
The ones srusso uses in Post #2 spread it better.
JohnnyB in SD
New member
You might be able to make something using the socket you have with a half round tube lined with aluminum foil. I think a guy somewhere in this huge thread did that.
I just put a cheap disposable aluminum roasting pan next to mine. Key is to use light from the side of the bulbs not the end.
I just put a cheap disposable aluminum roasting pan next to mine. Key is to use light from the side of the bulbs not the end.
Unfortunately I had to decommission my scrubber. I built a new stand over the last month or so, And saturday after swapping everything over, I realized that I failed to plan for the taller stand. So none of my plumbing fit. So I had to plumb the sump without the scrubber, as Im 35 miles from home depot and it was 10pm. I May just go back to macro in the sump, Not because of a problem with the scrubber, but because I just love watching my sump so much, and all the life hanging out in the algae. But thanks to all for the great advice along the way.
alaska clowns
New member
My tank is 65 gallons with about 20 gallons of sump, and I calculated the flow rate from my hob overflow to the "scrubber bar" in my sump to only be 90 gph. I've got a scrubber in place, but didn't realize that my flow wasn't high enough; however, it does grow gha. The screen is 10 X 10 and is lit on both sides with 23 watt cfl bulbs. I'm considering modifying it, but was wondering if you could give me some good recommendations about how I should go about designing it with such low flow. I can't make it any longer than 10 inches due to space constraints. Right now it's pretty noisy - it sounds like it's spitting (or a constantly flushing toilet) - I assume because the slot isn't wide enough.
I don't know how much info you need me to give you.... My current tank has been running for 1 year, and previous to that, it was moved from a tank that was 6 years old. I've been using a hob refugium and a scrubber for the past year, and have maintained an algae-free tank. I started this particular screen about 5 or 6 weeks ago (previous one dried out while I was on vacation), and just cleaned it for the first time 3 days ago. I got about 1/2 cup of gha algae off. However, the re-growth since isn't as fast as I would think it should be. I only realized when I cleaned the screen this week how low the flow is (because I decided to calculate with a gallon pitcher while I had the screen off). Currently, my only tank inhabitants are 2 occellaris, 1 royal gramma and 1 midas blenny. I previously had a hippo tang and a yellow tang, but gave them away last week to a friend who has a bigger tank.
Since last week I have also been having a diatom problem, which seems to have correlated with putting new (and name-brand) bulbs into my 4 bulb t5 ho fixture, but also I wonder if it has anything to do with not cleaning the screen as often as I should have.
If pictures would help, I can work on that!
Thank you so much for you help!
I don't know how much info you need me to give you.... My current tank has been running for 1 year, and previous to that, it was moved from a tank that was 6 years old. I've been using a hob refugium and a scrubber for the past year, and have maintained an algae-free tank. I started this particular screen about 5 or 6 weeks ago (previous one dried out while I was on vacation), and just cleaned it for the first time 3 days ago. I got about 1/2 cup of gha algae off. However, the re-growth since isn't as fast as I would think it should be. I only realized when I cleaned the screen this week how low the flow is (because I decided to calculate with a gallon pitcher while I had the screen off). Currently, my only tank inhabitants are 2 occellaris, 1 royal gramma and 1 midas blenny. I previously had a hippo tang and a yellow tang, but gave them away last week to a friend who has a bigger tank.
Since last week I have also been having a diatom problem, which seems to have correlated with putting new (and name-brand) bulbs into my 4 bulb t5 ho fixture, but also I wonder if it has anything to do with not cleaning the screen as often as I should have.
If pictures would help, I can work on that!
Thank you so much for you help!
JohnnyB in SD
New member
Flow: Is all overflow going to the scrubber or is some be directed elsewhere?
If all is going to the ATS then you've probably only got 90gph because that is what your pump is returning from the sump which overflows back down to feed the ATS.
What are you using for a return pump? A 65 gl tank could have 5x the flow = 325gph which is more in line with your 10" wide screen. But that is a lot of flow (15x) through a 20 gl sump depending upon what's in it. I'm not familiar with operating small sumps with high flow.
You might want to provide more detail of your drain & return system so folks may be able to give you pointers on how to make it more effective incorporating the ATS.
Noise: How good is the slot in your screen tube? Is the bottom of your screen submerged in the sump water or dripping off into it?
Increasing the flow will likely increase noise if the system is not plumbed properly.
How is your water quality with the 90gph, any measurable nitrates or phosphates?
With the minimal fish you have I would think you aren't feeding that heavy, so you aren't going to grow much algae on the screen anyway. What you have going on under the circumstances is probably effective enough if your N&P are zero and your not growing algae in your display. But correcting the flow will allow the ATS to utilize more of that 100sqin screen and enable you to have a greater bioload in your tank if you so desire.
For me, I am maximizing the bioload of my tank because of a scrubber. Mo fish mo fun.
If all is going to the ATS then you've probably only got 90gph because that is what your pump is returning from the sump which overflows back down to feed the ATS.
What are you using for a return pump? A 65 gl tank could have 5x the flow = 325gph which is more in line with your 10" wide screen. But that is a lot of flow (15x) through a 20 gl sump depending upon what's in it. I'm not familiar with operating small sumps with high flow.
You might want to provide more detail of your drain & return system so folks may be able to give you pointers on how to make it more effective incorporating the ATS.
Noise: How good is the slot in your screen tube? Is the bottom of your screen submerged in the sump water or dripping off into it?
Increasing the flow will likely increase noise if the system is not plumbed properly.
How is your water quality with the 90gph, any measurable nitrates or phosphates?
With the minimal fish you have I would think you aren't feeding that heavy, so you aren't going to grow much algae on the screen anyway. What you have going on under the circumstances is probably effective enough if your N&P are zero and your not growing algae in your display. But correcting the flow will allow the ATS to utilize more of that 100sqin screen and enable you to have a greater bioload in your tank if you so desire.
For me, I am maximizing the bioload of my tank because of a scrubber. Mo fish mo fun.
Last edited:
srusso
Active member
Spot on, thank you JohnnyB.
Only thing I would add would be please include some FTS and FSS pictures.
TheFishMan65
New member
Post 2000 I think.
JohnnyB in SD
New member
Post 1902 may be what you're looking for, is on page 77 for me.
JohnnyB in SD
New member
Post 2005 has some very good information on how to incorporate reflectors for CFLs.
I can tell you from experience that good reflectors and light spread is essential to getting even growth instead of patchy stuff.
alaska clowns
New member
Thank you for the help!
First of all, between my husband and I, one of us did the math wrong
The flow on my 10X10 scrubber is 180gph.
What are you using for a return pump?
After your questions I thought about my plumbing, and realized that I may need to modify it to get more flow (too many ways that the water is being slowed down). I think that's the only way to increase flow, because my overflow is a 1" siphon Hang-on-back overflow (so I assume that the pump doesn't have a lot to do with increasing flow?) The pump is a Quiet One 2200 (581 gph). I use the T and two ball valves after the pump to send some water back to the display and to put some water back into the sump to even out the display and sump, since the overflow isn't pulling to maximum capacity.
Flow: Is all overflow going to the scrubber or is some be directed elsewhere?
Water enters the sump through the scrubber; I have a split in the line in case I want to slow down the scrubber flow (HA!) but I have that ball valve closed. In hindsight, I should have only had one entrance - through the scrubber, which I may try to modify it to be that way instead.
Noise: How good is the slot in your screen tube? Is the bottom of your screen submerged in the sump water or dripping off into it?
The slot is probably not good - I had a hard time cutting it; however, I think it's very close to 1/8 of an inch wide, but I also have the screen stuffed into the slot. The screen is submerged into the sump water.
How is your water quality with the 90gph, any measurable nitrates or phosphates? Again, our mathematical error - the flow is 180gph, however, Nitrates are 20, Phosphates are .2
Mo fish mo fun. I got rid of the two tangs because they had outgrown the tank, so as soon as I'm confident I have a good scrubber, I get to finish stocking the tank!
Pictures:
The first FTS is immediately after installing my new (Better?) bulbs.
The second FTS is up-to-date and shows the diatom outbreak 2 weeks after new bulb installation, as well as after we had to rearrange the tank to get out my 2 tangs (still haven't put any corals back into the display).
Thank you so much for your help!
First of all, between my husband and I, one of us did the math wrong
The flow on my 10X10 scrubber is 180gph.
What are you using for a return pump?
After your questions I thought about my plumbing, and realized that I may need to modify it to get more flow (too many ways that the water is being slowed down). I think that's the only way to increase flow, because my overflow is a 1" siphon Hang-on-back overflow (so I assume that the pump doesn't have a lot to do with increasing flow?) The pump is a Quiet One 2200 (581 gph). I use the T and two ball valves after the pump to send some water back to the display and to put some water back into the sump to even out the display and sump, since the overflow isn't pulling to maximum capacity.
Flow: Is all overflow going to the scrubber or is some be directed elsewhere?
Water enters the sump through the scrubber; I have a split in the line in case I want to slow down the scrubber flow (HA!) but I have that ball valve closed. In hindsight, I should have only had one entrance - through the scrubber, which I may try to modify it to be that way instead.
Noise: How good is the slot in your screen tube? Is the bottom of your screen submerged in the sump water or dripping off into it?
The slot is probably not good - I had a hard time cutting it; however, I think it's very close to 1/8 of an inch wide, but I also have the screen stuffed into the slot. The screen is submerged into the sump water.
How is your water quality with the 90gph, any measurable nitrates or phosphates? Again, our mathematical error - the flow is 180gph, however, Nitrates are 20, Phosphates are .2
Mo fish mo fun. I got rid of the two tangs because they had outgrown the tank, so as soon as I'm confident I have a good scrubber, I get to finish stocking the tank!
Pictures:
The first FTS is immediately after installing my new (Better?) bulbs.
The second FTS is up-to-date and shows the diatom outbreak 2 weeks after new bulb installation, as well as after we had to rearrange the tank to get out my 2 tangs (still haven't put any corals back into the display).
Thank you so much for your help!
Attachments
Last edited:
JohnnyB in SD
New member
That pump should be able to provide enough flow to your screen if the plumbing is set up for it.
I would also recommend:
Spend the time to make the best slot in the tube you can. There are some suggestions around post #2000 on ways to cut them.
Block the light so algae doesn't grow into the tube from the screen. I use a larger diameter ABS pipe with about a 1/4" slot, slid over the screen tube.
If you have a good screen slot, no algae blocking it, and the screen flowing directly into water beneath it, you shouldn't be getting much or any noise. If you are, let us know where the noise is coming from.
The CFLs you're using (presumed to be 2700k-3000k) would be more effective with improved reflectors and placement in relation to the screen. See post #2005 for some good ideas. Fortunately, you have plenty of room to work with in your sump area.
You might consider putting 2 bulbs on each side if you really want to crank it up a notch. Or at least plan for the possibility of having 2x2 in case you decide to add them down the road.
Essentially increase & smooth the flow and improve the light intensity and spread. A properly running ATS that size should be able to knock your N&P's to undetectable in no time and handle some heavy feeding in the long term.
Nice looking tank.
I would also recommend:
Spend the time to make the best slot in the tube you can. There are some suggestions around post #2000 on ways to cut them.
Block the light so algae doesn't grow into the tube from the screen. I use a larger diameter ABS pipe with about a 1/4" slot, slid over the screen tube.
If you have a good screen slot, no algae blocking it, and the screen flowing directly into water beneath it, you shouldn't be getting much or any noise. If you are, let us know where the noise is coming from.
The CFLs you're using (presumed to be 2700k-3000k) would be more effective with improved reflectors and placement in relation to the screen. See post #2005 for some good ideas. Fortunately, you have plenty of room to work with in your sump area.
You might consider putting 2 bulbs on each side if you really want to crank it up a notch. Or at least plan for the possibility of having 2x2 in case you decide to add them down the road.
Essentially increase & smooth the flow and improve the light intensity and spread. A properly running ATS that size should be able to knock your N&P's to undetectable in no time and handle some heavy feeding in the long term.
Nice looking tank.
Attachments
JohnnyB in SD
New member
And what bulbs did you put in the T5 fixture? The light looks pleasing but may have more to do with the diatoms than missing a screen cleaning.
But then again, N&P's are high and the ATS is kinda weak.
But then again, N&P's are high and the ATS is kinda weak.
alaska clowns
New member
I really appreciate your help! The bulbs are (Front to back)
ATI Blue plus
ATI Purple plus
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue plus
If I amp up the scrubber, do you think that will take care of the diatoms, or is there something else I should be doing? It's almost like I can watch the diatoms growing......:headwally:
JohnnyB in SD
New member
Those are all good bulbs, what I used when I had T5s and never had diatom problems.
I haven't had diatoms since the early years of starting up my tank with PC lights, so don't know enough to help with that one specifically. But I haven't heard of anyone with an established, efficient, and maintained scrubber who has problems with them.
I do know that FloydRTurbo has experience with them because of some operational error and can give specific advice on how to win the battle. You might look for a post of his on the matter in this thread, probably about 3-5 months ago, or PM him to get his attention. He's one of the most knowledgeable and helpful people on here but I haven't seen much activity from him lately, he probably got busy with day to day life or hopefully experimenting with LEDs.
I haven't had diatoms since the early years of starting up my tank with PC lights, so don't know enough to help with that one specifically. But I haven't heard of anyone with an established, efficient, and maintained scrubber who has problems with them.
I do know that FloydRTurbo has experience with them because of some operational error and can give specific advice on how to win the battle. You might look for a post of his on the matter in this thread, probably about 3-5 months ago, or PM him to get his attention. He's one of the most knowledgeable and helpful people on here but I haven't seen much activity from him lately, he probably got busy with day to day life or hopefully experimenting with LEDs.
dominik2233
New member
Hi, need help on mine ATS. My ATS had been running for since June 11. I am still getting only brown alage. NO3 stays at 25 and PO4 at 0.5.
Tank size is 5 by 2 by 2.
Specs of the ATS:
1) 2 x 9 by 12 inch screens
2) 3 rows of 3 x 23 watts CF lights with reflectors only at the sides
3) the distance from screen to light is about 2 inches
4) flow is about 400GPH
5) lights on 18hrs, off 6 hours.
Tank size is 5 by 2 by 2.
Specs of the ATS:
1) 2 x 9 by 12 inch screens
2) 3 rows of 3 x 23 watts CF lights with reflectors only at the sides
3) the distance from screen to light is about 2 inches
4) flow is about 400GPH
5) lights on 18hrs, off 6 hours.
SPotter
Active member
Hi, need help on mine ATS. My ATS had been running for since June 11. I am still getting only brown alage. NO3 stays at 25 and PO4 at 0.5.
Tank size is 5 by 2 by 2.
Specs of the ATS:
1) 2 x 9 by 12 inch screens
2) 3 rows of 3 x 23 watts CF lights with reflectors only at the sides
3) the distance from screen to light is about 2 inches
4) flow is about 400GPH
5) lights on 18hrs, off 6 hours.
is that 400gph per screen or total? if its total then you are lite on the flow. how much do you feed?
Steve
dominik2233
New member
i used a pump that rated 840gph for a 4ft head loss to supply both screens. With the flow reduced by a gate valve, per screen is probably around 300gph.
i fed 5 cubes of frozen foods and lots of pellets. I have 8 tangs, 2 clown, 2 dwarf angels and several small fishes.
do i need to reduce the flow?
a clip on my tank
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