Algae Scrubber Basics
- Thread starter srusso
- Start date
rrasco
New member
Built my first ATS this weekend. Already had 90% of the stuff, just needed a few PCV fittings and the screen. Less than $5 in cost. Took me less than 2 hours to go to the store, build it, and install it. I set it up on 11/3 and it looks like it's starting to get some growth as of yesterday. I can't wait to see what it can do.
srusso
Active member
Thanks for sharing, welcome to the scrubber club!
Post some pics of your setup and keep us updated on your progress. Thanks
srusso
Active member
An algae scrubber vs a fuge... I would start with the algae scrubber. But you probably know my feelings on that. If your planning a fuge for nutrient export, like nitrate and phosphate. An algae scrubber does a far better job then a fuge in my opinion.
silverwolf72
New member
I think the scrubber is a better option, seems to filter better and add more food for pods over a fuge. Plus it usually requires less space.
If your designing your sump it should pretty easy design it so one chamber can be run a ATS or fuge.
If your designing your sump it should pretty easy design it so one chamber can be run a ATS or fuge.
silverwolf72
New member
Personally I would only run the sock for short periods of time, say when you clean your tank. (Algae Turf Scrubber)
So I think I'm gonna rebuild my scrubber, resize and go LED's as well. I've been reading thru the thread but it gets a little broken at time. Here's what I have in my head, if I am off please correct me.
I'm around 4 cubes a day on a heavy day, so I would need 48" total area, a 8 x 6 screen. Flow I can take care of with ball valve off my overflow feed.
LED's - a 6:1 red/blue ratio using 1W LED's.
Here comes the questions though, what spacing and how many LED's are needed? This seems to vary from people. 1 x red LED should be at minimum a 2" X 2" scrubber area. So to round it out I would need 12 per side, with 2 x blues a side just to get the coverage out there? That is with no optics or diffuser used. That would come up to 14 LED's a side which a meanwell constant current can run 14 string so 2 drivers. Heatsink I've got a line on and would be larger at 8 x 10 just for extra room and growth if needed.
I'm around 4 cubes a day on a heavy day, so I would need 48" total area, a 8 x 6 screen. Flow I can take care of with ball valve off my overflow feed.
LED's - a 6:1 red/blue ratio using 1W LED's.
Here comes the questions though, what spacing and how many LED's are needed? This seems to vary from people. 1 x red LED should be at minimum a 2" X 2" scrubber area. So to round it out I would need 12 per side, with 2 x blues a side just to get the coverage out there? That is with no optics or diffuser used. That would come up to 14 LED's a side which a meanwell constant current can run 14 string so 2 drivers. Heatsink I've got a line on and would be larger at 8 x 10 just for extra room and growth if needed.
rrasco
New member
Thanks! I've been wanting to build one for a while, just never got around to it. If it keeps me from having to mess with chaeto and GFO, I'm all for it! I don't plan to use this as an alternative means of filrations (a la skimmer), but in addition to other methods.
This was also a very quick build, but I wanted to get something going ASAP. It's a simple design powered by CFL. I'm planning to build a 'nicer' ATS using LEDs. Pics to come!
Refer to post 3251 for the latest summary. I know info is scattered over the 12 million pages this thread has, so that part does a really good job bringing together updated guidelines. I know it helped me out, I didn't want to read the whole thread. Thanks Floyd!
_shorty_
New member
+1 to this. Use a powerhead to blow off rock structures in display tank periodically and use the filter sock during those times. Remove, turn inside out, and clean afterwards. Then let it dry out until next use.
JohnnyB in SD
New member
I have two 12"x18" standard (2 sided flow) waterfalls. One with CFLs the other LEDs. The way I want to reconfigure my sump area, a larger horizontal to replace just one of the waterfalls will fit better. Theoretically, a 12" x 60" single sided horizontal is equal to a 12" x 30" double sided waterfall in filter capacity, so I would also be gaining in that respect.
Don't get me wrong, a vertical is more space efficient in normal circumstances.
Plus, I like to tinker with things that aren't broke.
Last edited:
kcress
New member
They tend to catch floating debris that someone should rather be eating instead of it rotting in the sock. But every tank is different and I wouldn't say "no one should use a sock".
kcress
New member
Hello Mandarin srusso!
Yes I have to update my build. I have a few pics but was wishing for a more "complete" moment in the evolution. Not happening very fast so I should just go with the "now". I'll do it in the next day or two.
arnaldolex1
New member
after reading all this am gonnamake me one
_shorty_
New member
Kcress - trying your Velcro idea...
I'm running vertical 2 screen single sided AS with two sided LED fixture in between. Testing the red LED only now to compare with red and blue later (when those blues come in in a month). But since I have two screens, figured I'd compare growth on standard mesh vs Velcro.
I wasnt too pleased with the growth after one week running all reds... although had quite a bit of the brown slime so may just be a maturity thing... Had planned on roughing up screen more for the second week, but figured I'd try the Velcro instead. 3x2" sewn together with fishing line for 6" wide screen. It is more pricey and more effort than mesh screen, but assuming it'll hold those roots better.
I'm running vertical 2 screen single sided AS with two sided LED fixture in between. Testing the red LED only now to compare with red and blue later (when those blues come in in a month). But since I have two screens, figured I'd compare growth on standard mesh vs Velcro.
I wasnt too pleased with the growth after one week running all reds... although had quite a bit of the brown slime so may just be a maturity thing... Had planned on roughing up screen more for the second week, but figured I'd try the Velcro instead. 3x2" sewn together with fishing line for 6" wide screen. It is more pricey and more effort than mesh screen, but assuming it'll hold those roots better.
_shorty_
New member
understood... I may try horizontal if my testing on current setup doesn't turn out as well as I am hOping.
kcress
New member
If you're doing a vertical you can get a piece of clean acrylic that's pretty dang thin and plaster the velcro hooks on both sides.
Look at the hooks with a magnifier. You may see they're all oriented in one direction. You'd want the hooks up if that's what you see.
If you have any HA in your tank you will have it immediately catching on the velcro.
Similar threads
