Algae Scrubber Basics

[srusso]

Any of you guys go skimmer less since going to an algae scrubber?

My tank has never had a skimmer

 

[gmate]

Srusso, do you go to CTARS meetings ever? I'm about 10 minutes from you in Ansonia and I'd love to chat you up about an Algae Turf Scrubber.

 

[mrbncal]

Any of you guys go skimmer less since going to an algae scrubber?

Almost three years without a skimmer.

 

[srusso]

Srusso, do you go to CTARS meetings ever? I'm about 10 minutes from you in Ansonia and I'd love to chat you up about an Algae Turf Scrubber.

I have gone to a few, its a bit far for me. I will pm you if I plan on attending. You should come to a ARKSC meeting ;-)

 

[illcssd]

Would an algae scrubber work on a fish only system that runs copper occasionally? I hang out at my lfs pretty often, and we're debating adding a ats to the fish system to help with filtration. It has a few protein skimmers on it, but we have the room and material to add one, and could use the added filtration. Would this work or has anyone done this? It's a 3000g system.

 

[gmate]

I have gone to a few, its a bit far for me. I will pm you if I plan on attending. You should come to a ARKSC meeting ;-)

Unfortunately my current work schedule doesn't allow for me to make any ARKSC or CTARS meetings, I just happen to have a Sunday off for the first time in a year and figured I'd hit up the CTARS meeting. Darn

 

[srusso]

Only positive news to report with fully covering the open algae scrubber with plastic rap. Greener, healthier growth b/c the lights are closer.



This picture is of the roots just after cleaning. My scrubber is oversized still... Although I don't plan on downsizing till the new plans are released.



Current pic of my scrubber.

 

[Floyd R Turbo]

Do you think the sarap wrap provides a layer of protection from the heat, like a thin layer of insulation maybe?

 

[srusso]

Do you think the sarap wrap provides a layer of protection from the heat, like a thin layer of insulation maybe?

No, I wouldn't say insulation. Also I think plenty of air exchange is happening at the opening of the PVC, which from the last picture you can see when the plastic wrap meets the PVC it leaves an open area. I think it allows an open algae scrubber to get lighting closer without issues of splashing or misting much like a closed unit benefits from. Thus better growth for my scrubber, at least so far...

Mid week I noticed yellowing growth, I up'ed my feeding to 5 cubes one day and more dry foot then normal. I don't measure that... So who knows, I am lucky if I have enough time to let the cubes thaw...

 

[aquaenthusiast]

I wonder if adding violet 400-410nm leds would help marine algae release more oxygen into the water, similar to Engelmann's experiment. It might also stimulate more aerobic bacteria too, which might be helpful in breaking down waste.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37460166@N02/6992025891/" title="engelmanns by sweetrunnin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7185/6992025891_1f7b3fb496_b.jpg" width="841" height="484" alt="engelmanns"></a>

I consider anything under 400nm to be ultra violet which is what you do NOT want, becuase this could kill the algae (and hurt your eyes).

 

[srusso]

I wonder if adding violet 400-410nm leds would help marine algae release more oxygen into the water, similar to Engelmann's experiment. It might also stimulate more aerobic bacteria too, which might be helpful in breaking down waste.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37460166@N02/6992025891/" title="engelmanns by sweetrunnin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7185/6992025891_1f7b3fb496_b.jpg" width="841" height="484" alt="engelmanns"></a>

I consider anything under 400nm to be ultra violet which is what you do NOT want, becuase this could kill the algae (and hurt your eyes).

That's very interesting, thank you for posting!

 

[Floyd R Turbo]

you would want about 420nm to pair with 660 and 455 with 630. For some reason all the grow lights pair 455 with 660 and the only reasons I can think of for that is cost and availability, and the fact that the 455 peak is higher than the 420 peak. for a scrubber it doesn't matter how bacteria would help, all you care about is algae. putting 420 on the DT would be where you would want to stimulate bacteria growth if anywhere.

 

[aquaenthusiast]

you would want about 420nm to pair with 660 and 455 with 630. For some reason all the grow lights pair 455 with 660 and the only reasons I can think of for that is cost and availability, and the fact that the 455 peak is higher than the 420 peak. for a scrubber it doesn't matter how bacteria would help, all you care about is algae. putting 420 on the DT would be where you would want to stimulate bacteria growth if anywhere.

I agree, violet leds are expensive, like $8.50 for one 3w led star.

 

[PHensley]

I looked at the new recommendations and I only feed about 1/2 cube every other day. I guess that this averages out to 1/4 a cube a day and since I want to light it from one side, a 6 square inch screen would be ideal for my 55 gallon tank. I have enough room for a screen that covers twice the area. Is it best to use a 6 square inch screen or have a little more for good measure? I will construct a scrubber to fit within my hood with the pump in the tank. What would be a good compact pump in the 200-250 gph range?

 

[aquaenthusiast]

for a scrubber it doesn't matter how bacteria would help, all you care about is algae.

I think I'll have to disagree with this part of your statement though, I think marine algae have symbiotic relationships with bacterium just as corals do. Previously some of you guys suggested dosing iron to help the growth, and it does help algae but one of the reasons is shown below. I believe different kinds of bacteria help accomplish different task (I just need to do some more research)
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37460166@N02/6995665403/" title="algabacteria by sweetrunnin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6217/6995665403_8ac7f09ef1_b.jpg" width="1024" height="564" alt="algabacteria"></a>

The bottom line is that bacteria are very efficient at remineralizing and reorganizing nutrients that can be made available (in very close proximity) to algae. This I think is true for phytoplankton, macro/micro algae, even dinoflagellates.

 

[Floyd R Turbo]

I stand corrected. This seemingly symbiotic type of relationship may help explain why adding a little blue to a red LED fixture causes 'sturdier' growth.

 

[jharte]

It has been quite a while since I visited this page. I remember that Floyd has produced a couple of all encompassing guides to building an algae scrubber. I cannot seem to find them among the many pages of this post. Can somebody post the link or can Floyd put up a downloadable file of the most updated guide?

Thanks in advance

 

[Floyd R Turbo]

It's in my signature

 

[JohnnyB in SD]

Only positive news to report with fully covering the open algae scrubber with plastic rap. Greener, healthier growth b/c the lights are closer.

View attachment 181991

This picture is of the roots just after cleaning. My scrubber is oversized still... Although I don't plan on downsizing till the new plans are released.

View attachment 181992

Current pic of my scrubber.

Do you think this has potential of replacing an enclosed box for 3D growth?

 

[Floyd R Turbo]

The enclosed box allow the water to pool and then build up a water column that the algae 'floats' in. The reason this causes the growth to take off exponentially is that the lower layers of algae now have a more direct exposure to light which keeps them alive and allows the algae to grow throughout the screen area, not just at the surface of the algal mat. This is why you can go longer between screen cleanings with true 3D growth, which you do not get with the saran wrap screen - it just prevents spray