Algae Scrubber Basics
- Thread starter srusso
- Start date
sail33
New member
That's why I thought a manual cleaner might be right. Could go straight into a plastic bag. Cleaner blade has raised edges like a scoop or dust pan. You lever it into cleaner position, bag it, toss it.
Could be activated on a timer or even by weight. You wouldn't have to disassemble to clean.
I have no idea if it's more trouble than it's worth. Besides, it's your wonderful design, prolly best to get this part working. Then figure out what comes next.
srusso
Active member
Yes, search my posts for Bryopsis. You will find some great pictures that have been posted to this thread.
srusso
Active member
Harvesting the algae in tank will cause yellow water. So cleaning the screen will need to always be a manual process. Automation of the weekly algae harvest would be a very complex process involving isolating the screen from the tank. Then scraping and rising with fresh water... Then replaced back into the system. Needless to say, I don't think anyone will be DIY'ing that anytime soon! Lol
srusso
Active member
I should clarify, harvesting the algae in tank will cause yellow water over time. Not in a single instance...
A Compromise Build
A Compromise Build
I setup a tank about 6 weeks with some second hand live rock. Lots of bubble algae and Aiptasia on the rock.
My PO3 and NO3 are just starting to rise and I am getting cyno and green slime algae starting to threaten the few SPS that came with the rock.
I planned on setting up a Refugium and order some 4500 K 10W LEDs. However while waiting for the LEDs to arrive I saw this thread and thought I might try an ATS instead.
This will be a bit of a compromise build as the LEDs would be better if they were red, and I am only going to be able to light one side of the screen. Also I will be using a MJ1200 for the Pump and 50% of the screen will be under water.
With the caveats out of the way here is what I built ...
For the pipe, I made a zigzag pipe that hooks between 2 baffles of my sump. Since the backside will not be lit, I build a reflector out of Styrofoam and egg crate. It also hooks into the baffles in slots. This should reflect a fair bit of light and prevent too much light from reaching the rest of the sump (or at least that is the idea).
I wanted the LEDs to be outside the sump (not suspended over it) so I constructed a light box to hang down the front of the sump.
Here are some pics of it in place running.
The only issues so far was water squirting out of the zip tie holes (I filled them with silicone) and the LEDs were getting too hot for my liking so I added a 60MM fan to the bottom of the box.
Next, I will post some pics of the tank as of now so the progress can be tracked.
Dennis
A Compromise Build
I setup a tank about 6 weeks with some second hand live rock. Lots of bubble algae and Aiptasia on the rock.
My PO3 and NO3 are just starting to rise and I am getting cyno and green slime algae starting to threaten the few SPS that came with the rock.
I planned on setting up a Refugium and order some 4500 K 10W LEDs. However while waiting for the LEDs to arrive I saw this thread and thought I might try an ATS instead.
This will be a bit of a compromise build as the LEDs would be better if they were red, and I am only going to be able to light one side of the screen. Also I will be using a MJ1200 for the Pump and 50% of the screen will be under water.
With the caveats out of the way here is what I built ...
For the pipe, I made a zigzag pipe that hooks between 2 baffles of my sump. Since the backside will not be lit, I build a reflector out of Styrofoam and egg crate. It also hooks into the baffles in slots. This should reflect a fair bit of light and prevent too much light from reaching the rest of the sump (or at least that is the idea).
I wanted the LEDs to be outside the sump (not suspended over it) so I constructed a light box to hang down the front of the sump.
Here are some pics of it in place running.
The only issues so far was water squirting out of the zip tie holes (I filled them with silicone) and the LEDs were getting too hot for my liking so I added a 60MM fan to the bottom of the box.
Next, I will post some pics of the tank as of now so the progress can be tracked.
Dennis
mtaquarist
New member
Great info!
sail33
New member
HA HA.. And THAT is why some of my thinking should remain IN the box.
saitoking
New member
Today is 2 weeks and I have removed the skimmer. Sorry no pictures of algae before scrubber but hair algae is already disappearing from live rock. Still doing weekly water changes 10 gals a week with RO water we will see how it go's.
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JohnnyB in SD
New member
When I take an ATS off line for upgrading or whatever, I clean then soak the screen in a container of water to keep the algae alive until I can get it reinstalled. Usually just put it in my QT or barrel of makeup water. I wouldn't let a screen sit or go dry in an inoperable scrubber.
If you have a power failure and are unable to get to the ATS before it begins to decay or dry, you should clean the screen. In such a case, you probably have bigger problems than your ATS.
If you have a power failure and are unable to get to the ATS before it begins to decay or dry, you should clean the screen. In such a case, you probably have bigger problems than your ATS.
Floyd R Turbo
Either busy or sleeping
One tank I maintain went through a 13 hour power outage. The scrubber was the least of the problems. It was in an enclosed box, which helped keep it from drying out I suppose.
If you are there during a prolonged outage, I would rinse the screen lightly (don't scrape) and place in sump, and don't forget to unplug the feed pump or divert the feed flow somehow in case power comes back on. The algae on the screen will outlast your tank when immersed in water.
If the prolonged outage occurs and you aren't there, and the screen gets dry, it will likely not be dry at the base of the algae mat, so you can scrape it and it should re-grow just like normal.
If you are there during a prolonged outage, I would rinse the screen lightly (don't scrape) and place in sump, and don't forget to unplug the feed pump or divert the feed flow somehow in case power comes back on. The algae on the screen will outlast your tank when immersed in water.
If the prolonged outage occurs and you aren't there, and the screen gets dry, it will likely not be dry at the base of the algae mat, so you can scrape it and it should re-grow just like normal.
srusso
Active member
Yes, as Floyd said. Submerge the screen if you can, but only if your home. If it has dried out or the power has been out for an extra long time (24+ hours) it should be harvested, once the power comes back on. Like others said the scrubber will be fine, it's the live stock that will need far more attention.
My own process is leave the algae scrubber as is, for as long as the power is out. I don't remove the screen b/c if the power comes back on while I am away, without the screen in place would be a very bad thing... Lol that's due to how I have my tank setup. I use plastic wrap which controls any spraying during normal operation, and has the added benefit of keeping the scrubber moist when the power goes out.
My own process is leave the algae scrubber as is, for as long as the power is out. I don't remove the screen b/c if the power comes back on while I am away, without the screen in place would be a very bad thing... Lol that's due to how I have my tank setup. I use plastic wrap which controls any spraying during normal operation, and has the added benefit of keeping the scrubber moist when the power goes out.
The first signs of growth appearing on new system
The first signs of growth appearing on new system
I happy to report that my unit built on Saturday and running 24 hour lights since then now has a few streaks of green (or brown) appearing. I checked this morning before work and the screen looked like the Glad man still, but tonight there is something starting to grow.
I have now moved my lights to the moonlight outlet on my controller so they will alternate with my tank lights.
Dennis
The first signs of growth appearing on new system
I happy to report that my unit built on Saturday and running 24 hour lights since then now has a few streaks of green (or brown) appearing. I checked this morning before work and the screen looked like the Glad man still, but tonight there is something starting to grow.
I have now moved my lights to the moonlight outlet on my controller so they will alternate with my tank lights.
Dennis
nanomania
New member
I liked the idea of plastic wrap, iv seen many using it on youtube videos..... but does it have any effect on algae growth?
Here is a pic of ATS that incase the elec. goes, we wont have to worry about it drying... the idea just clicked in my mind so made it on paint brush.. will this be a good idea or it has some drawbacks? the light used will be 3w-10w leds 660nm reds
Floyd R Turbo
Either busy or sleeping
That's been done with limited success. The main issue is that it is single-sided, and the flow is also single sided. Even with a single-sided screen, you really need flow on both sides. Scolley might disagree with me, but limiting flow to the unlit side will cause the roots of the algae to die off much quicker due to lack of flow. But, it's better than no scrubber I suppose. Depending on the distance from light to screen, you might need lenses on the LEDs, and a tighter array of them as well.
srusso
Active member
Lights should NEVER be run 24/7
Every living thing needs a rest period.
By running the light around the clock you are in fact inhibiting most new growth.
Also most new screens grow diatoms first then GHA will over take it.
srusso
Active member
I liked the idea of plastic wrap, iv seen many using it on youtube videos..... but does it have any effect on algae growth?
Here is a pic of ATS that incase the elec. goes, we wont have to worry about it drying... the idea just clicked in my mind so made it on paint brush.. will this be a good idea or it has some drawbacks? the light used will be 3w-10w leds 660nm reds
Plastic wrap shows no signs of inhibiting growth and have been using it since the first person suggested it. I think almost a year ago now...
You're funny and remind me of myself with the inventions and redesigns of scrubbers. Watch out b/c before you know it, you will never stop designing algae scrubbers in your head! Like me! Just ask Floyd, I feel like I call him to bounce ideas all the time!
As Floyd said, it wont be as effective as a double sided water fall scrubber. It's very hard to match the effectiveness of this design...
Given that information the next idea you'll have is to make a canister filter of sorts with lights on both sides... And again the water fall scrubber will again prove to be more effective...
There, hope I saved you some spare brain cycles!! Hahaha
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