algae scrubber

[JDL]

anyone here ever build/use an algae scrubber? Was thinking of building one for my new setup. Since i will have 2 drain lines, one line to the algae scrubber and the other to the skimmer.

 

[lpkenneys]

If things are done right you should not need a scrubber?

 

[JDL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14779195#post14779195 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lpkenneys
If things are done right you should not need a scrubber?

maybe algae scrubber was a misleading term.

Scrubbers, Algae Turf Scrubbers (ATS), Algae Scrubbers, Algae Filters, Turf Scrubbers, and Turf Algae Filters

a big ugly screen filled with algae that takes nitrates/phosphates out of the water. Only downside i see is the cleaning once/week. Just checking if others had one locally.

 

[lpkenneys]

I understand what you were talking about, but like I mentioned if things are set up and maintained properly you shouldn't need one, your really not treating the problem properly. IMO Hi Nitrate and Phosphate levels are due to various things that if taken care of they are usually kept in check...

 

[CBehr]

So is running GFO or a refugium not treating the problem properly either? This is just another method to combate these issues that people are constantly dealing with. I don't understand your reasoning that a algae scrubber is not treating the problem properly. Nitrates and phosphate naturally build up in our aquariums, why not use a algae scrubber that could be cleaned weekly to reduce them? It would be cheaper than running GFO and they seem to work very well from what I've read.

 

[lpkenneys]

"Nitrates and phosphate naturally build up in our aquariums" yes they do, but in most cases it is due to the fact that we are either over feeding or we have poor D/I water, and/or some other source, and let's face it if we all kept up with our husbandry the way we should we would have fewer problems. Everything I have read about true algae scrubbers states that for them to be effective they need to be huge? so "IMO" and only IMO, I think they are just putting a Band-Aid on the real problem.. again just my opinion

 

[2turtles]

Again just my opinion but if you have enough nitrates and phosphate to grow a healthy supply of algae that you can harvest, why do you think the only place it is going to grow is in the scrubber? AHHH GFO....We can have fat fish and a nice aquarium Nice thing about this hobby is the are many ways to end up at the same point. Experiment, take pictures, post finding and we all benefit.

 

[chriscobb]

I have to agree with CBehr on his statement....I don't see how it's putting a band aid on "a problem".....IMO I see it as no different as running a fuge or mangroves....etc.....it's another means of "nutrient export"....