Algae Scrubber Basics

[Jade5051]

I've always found that well designed and established tanks are teeming with life. Depending on how much detached growth there is this could be overall beneficial.

 

[Spar]

i built my first LED setup for my ATS today. The only heat sink they had was a 6x12, whereas my ATS is 8x8... I didnt think would be an issue but after setup the bulbs really cover a 4" x 9" space, and I'm not sure the 4" space is going to work out... any thoughts on this being adequate coverage for a 8x8 screen, or should I consider getting a new heat sink? see image below

Also, is Hyper Violet a blue color? i was surprised that it was light blue, expecting more of a purple...

 

[SantaMonica]

You could always remove the outer LEDs so it is not so wide, then move it away so the remaining light will spread more.

 

[Jlentz]

Turn the lights 90 degrees So the silly connectors don't take up so much room.

 

[Jade5051]

i built my first LED setup for my ATS today. The only heat sink they had was a 6x12, whereas my ATS is 8x8... I didnt think would be an issue but after setup the bulbs really cover a 4" x 9" space, and I'm not sure the 4" space is going to work out... any thoughts on this being adequate coverage for a 8x8 screen, or should I consider getting a new heat sink? see image below

Also, is Hyper Violet a blue color? i was surprised that it was light blue, expecting more of a purple...

Where did you get parts and how much did this cost you?

 

[Johnb123]

would something like this work well?

 

[karimwassef]

That's similar to my overflow scrubber. Sits in my end to end weir

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/9ECCCF5B-8265-48D0-9C0F-406190F50BC6_zps1vpsfuym.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/9ECCCF5B-8265-48D0-9C0F-406190F50BC6_zps1vpsfuym.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 9ECCCF5B-8265-48D0-9C0F-406190F50BC6_zps1vpsfuym.jpg"/></a>

 

[Johnb123]

^cool! i have a 80 gallon aio system so i could only fit the small size which is 7cm x 30cm is it even worth it for me? it's pretty much that in the pic i posted except for a much larger tank

 

[Johnb123]

or should i install a bigger upflow ats in one of my aio compartments in the back? i didn't read through all 300 pages but i did notice some comments on upflow ats not being as good.. is this still true?

 

[Spar]

Where did you get parts and how much did this cost you?

From Rapid LED. 2 units totaled $300. I did 20 led's per unit, 2 drivers per unit.

You can get cheaper and better fit heat sinks from http://www.heatsinkusa.com/ (Rapid LED is who recommended that place), but I kept it simple and got the 6x12s from them also.

 

[SantaMonica]

comments on upflow ats not being as good.. is this still true

If you ask the two people here that make waterfalls, they will say yes

 

[karimwassef]

let me ask the questions differently. If you had unlimited space and resources $, what scrubber would you recommend?

 

[jason2459]

If you ask the two people here that make waterfalls, they will say yes

Have you read this thread?

 

[SantaMonica]

No one has unlimited. If you did you would build a real reef and just watch it.

 

[Jade5051]

@SantaMonica, do UAS require bubbles or could I just use a powerhead to move water? Do the bubble have an advantage or benefit over just moving water with a powerhead?

 

[Johnb123]

@SantaMonica, do UAS require bubbles or could I just use a powerhead to move water? Do the bubble have an advantage or benefit over just moving water with a powerhead?

yes it does as the bubbles create air and gas exchange for the algae to grow more effectively

 

[Johnb123]

That's similar to my overflow scrubber. Sits in my end to end weir

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/9ECCCF5B-8265-48D0-9C0F-406190F50BC6_zps1vpsfuym.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/9ECCCF5B-8265-48D0-9C0F-406190F50BC6_zps1vpsfuym.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 9ECCCF5B-8265-48D0-9C0F-406190F50BC6_zps1vpsfuym.jpg"/></a>

how effective was this for you? have you noticed a great reduction in nitrates and phosphates?

 

[karimwassef]

I don't measure nitrates and phosphates. They're always below my measurement because I have algae or macroalgae. They're constantly getting bound up in their tissues.

I see the results in polyp expansion and coral growth rate that's improved. I can also feed more generously without compromising my water quality.

 

[karimwassef]

You have unlimited space for the ATS, but very limited space for the reef

Now what?

 

[SantaMonica]

do UAS require bubbles

Yes