Fixed the links
Algae Scrubber Basics
- Thread starter srusso
- Start date
Fixed the links
SantaMonica
Well-known member
Looks great. I'd just scrape it all off.
mntbiker2008
New member
What is the best way to keep the algae from clogging up the holes above the screen? It seems like I am having to run a needle in the holes every other day to get the flow back
Myriam
Member
I finaly built mine!
I started it today with very little flow because it's splashing a lot. I guess it will be better when starting to have some algae.
I took a tee of one of my herbie overfloe. It's all one inche pipe. I measured 320 gph but I can get more out of it.
For the lights, I bought one GLW 30 W and one 20 W. I was thinking to start with the 20 W for about half an hour, few times per day and increase and eventually connect the 30 W.
I am feeding 5-6 cubes a day so I planed for a 9x9 screen. But it end up a little larger and I let it go to the water since it splash less that way.
Here are some pics, feel free to comment!
I started it today with very little flow because it's splashing a lot. I guess it will be better when starting to have some algae.
I took a tee of one of my herbie overfloe. It's all one inche pipe. I measured 320 gph but I can get more out of it.
For the lights, I bought one GLW 30 W and one 20 W. I was thinking to start with the 20 W for about half an hour, few times per day and increase and eventually connect the 30 W.
I am feeding 5-6 cubes a day so I planed for a 9x9 screen. But it end up a little larger and I let it go to the water since it splash less that way.
Here are some pics, feel free to comment!
FullBoreReefer
New member
The splashing will get worse actually/usually when the algae grows. That is a giant screen by the way lol. Something that large in my opinion should be enclosed with lots of flow. I noticed a huge change in mine when I cranked the flow up.
biecacka
Active member
Myriam
Member
Thanks for the comment! I start to understand why people install acrylic panels on each side, I think that's I will do.
hkgar
Active member
Thanks for the comment! I start to understand why people install acrylic panels on each side, I think that's I will do.
I looks like to only flow control to the screen pipe is a ball valve? Consider adding a gate valve for more sensitive control over flow. I have a ball valve to stop flow for cleaning/maintenance and a gate valve, that once adjusted I don't have to reset. Works better for fine control. JMO
salty joe
Active member
It's an alloy of acrylic and PVC-I can't imagine it not being reef safe.
Myriam
Member
Yes, I know, thank you! I didn't have gate valve at a reasonnable price so I went cheap with a ball. If it's so bad, I'll change it.
Myriam
Member
Thank you outy I really appreciate all the comments!! I will open more the valve and in few days, will get the lamp closer (maybe after adding an acrylic splash guard)
hkgar
Active member
Yes, I know, thank you! I didn't have gate valve at a reasonnable price so I went cheap with a ball. If it's so bad, I'll change it.
Don't just change it, use both. I use the ball valve as an on/off only and the gate valve to adjust the flow.
SantaMonica
Well-known member
Anyone who is building upflows with magnet attachment to the glass, might like to make use of the new technique of putting a hard plastic protector over the magnet; in case you let the wet side magnets snap to the LED magnets, the protector will prevent the silicone from being scraped off.
Any square piece of plastic will work, like the corner of a plastic box.
Any square piece of plastic will work, like the corner of a plastic box.
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SantaMonica
Well-known member
...And if you are instead building a floating version and you want to really seal the LED, pour epoxy (like Devcon 2-ton) onto the alumimum instead of using paint.
The epoxy does not need to be black like shown here; the regular color works fine. Just pour it on (after cleaning the aluminum well with alcohol), and use a stick to spread the epoxy evenly. Keep an eye on it for the next few hours to make sure it stays even and does not run off one edge.
The epoxy does not need to be black like shown here; the regular color works fine. Just pour it on (after cleaning the aluminum well with alcohol), and use a stick to spread the epoxy evenly. Keep an eye on it for the next few hours to make sure it stays even and does not run off one edge.
Attachments
Myriam
Member
Yes that's what I thought too, I'm doing it already to feed my refugium
Thank you again!
Plan on building a scrubber very soon to deal with a hair algae issue, I plan on using this led fixture, http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/221708885323?varId=520555366811&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&_mwBanner=1. Would the 20 watt be okay or is it worth going for the 30 watt and using a shorter photo period? It will be lit from both sides. Also I'm from across the pond so I guess you guys are using US LIQUID GALLONS?
ozzman
Premium Member
Did your light have a plug on it, or did you have to wire it?
bheron
Active member
It had a plug on it when it arrived in the box.
ozzman
Premium Member
Thanks. Looks like some of the wattage and comments mention no plug. Hopefully the ones I ordered are wired.
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