Algae Scrubber Basics

[Floyd R Turbo]

The overall tank and sump will be around 65 gallons. Ill have around 5-8 fish in the tank and will be bare bottom. How large will I need to make this, or can it be a relatively small ats?

Relatively small. You are likely to feed in the range of 1-2 cubes/day, 2 being on the rather heavy side for that size tank. Generally I recommend a minimum size of 2 cubes/day, mainly because it is easier to light a 4x6 screen than a 3x4 screen, plus that gives you a little room for error - meaning, if your flow isn't quite right, screen is not rough enough, or your lighting isn't "ideal", your scrubber should still perform well enough.

Look at the posts in my signature for the latest basics. It's a few years old, but everything still applies, the only updates to it that are really needed cover LED lighting, which is also covered in this thread if you search my posts from the last few months or so.

 

[fit]

That growth is crazy. Did you let that grow for 30 days? It looks like you could have blocked both drains with that amount of growth! What flow rate are you running it at, and what is your daily photoperiod?

I let it grow till I hear dripping from the emergency drain. The first time, that took about 30 days, and the second time it took about 32 days. Do you really think that strategy could cause a flood?

I get a very rapid accelerating 3d growth as the biomass builds. So I thought to let it play out to maximize the harvest. Also I have been exceedingly busy, and my setup makes it tricky to get to my screen.

Those pics were 32 days of uninterrupted growth. My photo period is 12 hours on and 12 hours off. I will post my flow rate as soon as I can find the time to measure it. I made it pretty close to the maximum I could get to run through about 2" vertical length of 3/4" pipe out of the bottom drain straight into my sump. That pipe is submerged barely.

 

[Floyd R Turbo]

As long as you pay attention to it, I don't think so. Sounds like you're doing it right. My guess would be that your flow is a bit low because if you were pushing 300-325 GPH through that (9" x 35 GPH) then I would think you would get more flow pathway resistance with that much growth.

That being said - your example makes the case for a few things, one being you don't "need" 35 GPH/in of flow necessarily, another that a 3D growth box allows for good light penetration to prevent lower-layer deterioration, and also that it is possible to go 30 days without cleaning. That's one of the longest growth cycles I've heard of by the way.

 

[jeffdenney]

Starting my ats build tomorrow. . Basic waterfall style.. cant wait...

 

[jeffdenney]

Got my build done last night. just built it out of 1" pvc. Terrible layout but I plan on replumbing in the future so Ill do it better then...

1 40w cfl and 1 23w cfl.. both 2700k. Runs 18 hours. I sanded the screen until it was almost stringy..

Sorry pics were tricky in there..

 

[jeffdenney]

Going to test levels as soon as I get home.

 

[wildman926]

Got my build done last night. just built it out of 1" pvc. Terrible layout but I plan on replumbing in the future so Ill do it better then...

1 40w cfl and 1 23w cfl.. both 2700k. Runs 18 hours. I sanded the screen until it was almost stringy..

Sorry pics were tricky in there..

Here you go...

 

[driftin]

Got my build done last night. just built it out of 1" pvc. Terrible layout but I plan on replumbing in the future so Ill do it better then...

1 40w cfl and 1 23w cfl.. both 2700k. Runs 18 hours. I sanded the screen until it was almost stringy..


Sorry pics were tricky in there..

Based on my experiences you may want to do something to prevent salt spray - especially with the timer and power strip so close to the ATS.

 

[Floyd R Turbo]

Yes, you want to avoid streamers. You will eventually have one, usually at the most inopportune moment, like when you are asleep or on vacation.

 

[boxfishpooalot]

My potassium kit came and the tank has 350ppm. I suspect the chaeto sucked it out. I use IO for salt mix.

When my potassium chloride arrives I'll boost it to 420ppm and see how growth compares.

Also I'm waiting for parts for my new ats build. I'll let you know how goes.

 

[DavidinGA]

My potassium kit came and the tank has 350ppm. I suspect the chaeto sucked it out. I use IO for salt mix.

When my potassium chloride arrives I'll boost it to 420ppm and see how growth compares.

Also I'm waiting for parts for my new ats build. I'll let you know how goes.

Does chaeto pull potassium? What about turf algae?

 

[Floyd R Turbo]

I like the Brightwell Potassion-P myself. K is hard to keep at 400. 350 is pretty good actually.

 

[Floyd R Turbo]

Does chaeto pull potassium? What about turf algae?

Yes, all plant growth pulls NPK. Most people don't pay attention to K. Use Salifert Potassium kit to test. Every other one I tried is just flat stupid.

 

[jeffdenney]

Based on my experiences you may want to do something to prevent salt spray - especially with the timer and power strip so close to the ATS.

I will b re plumbing and moving to a new stand In a few months so im gonna re do all that.. can I just put some plexiglass up behind it u think?

 

[DavidinGA]

Yes, all plant growth pulls NPK. Most people don't pay attention to K. Use Salifert Potassium kit to test. Every other one I tried is just flat stupid.

Thanks.

I don't do water changes and have both chaeto and an ATS running... Guess I better get a kit, huh? Lol

 

[Floyd R Turbo]

I will b re plumbing and moving to a new stand In a few months so im gonna re do all that.. can I just put some plexiglass up behind it u think?

You can just drape the pipe + top 1" of screen with Saran wrap

 

[boxfishpooalot]

I like the Brightwell Potassion-P myself. K is hard to keep at 400. 350 is pretty good actually.

We'll that's good. Why is it hard? Precipitate?

 

[Floyd R Turbo]

plant life sucks it up like crazy.

 

[DavidinGA]

plant life sucks it up like crazy.

I wonder though, how much P is replaced through feedings (flakes, pellets, frozen, etc)?

 

[jeffdenney]

You can just drape the pipe + top 1" of screen with Saran wrap

Will do. Thank u

Now regarding the potassium comments. I have ferts for my planted tank.. can I just dose kno3 when nitrates r down and kh2po4 for potassium? ?