algae turf scrubber

[truthdesigns]

Anyone ever built one? Im working on a design right now for my sump. just wondering if anyone has any experienc or tips?

 

[Danny_B]

I've built one... Took it offline because I have a tiny 10g sump.

 

[Henchman24]

I made one once but the flow rate was too much as I was using the drain line from the display tank to push the water on to the screen. It was loud & I had a problem with water splashing against the stand then dripping until the carpeting. I only had it running for a few weeks so the algae growth wasn't really impressive. If you can adjust the water flow to just cover the screen evenly that is probably the best. You are supposed to rough up the screen to make more surface area for the algae to grow. Having a light on each side is better than just one.

I was originally going to redesign mine using a adjustable pump for the water flow & a smaller screen to fit it the sump better. Now I have decided to make a HOG type scrubber which is under water on the inside of the sump against the tanks glass & uses an air-stone for water movement. The light or led's in my case would be on the outside of the sump against the glass. I am still in the design stages on that & gathering materials.

A few pictures when I originally set up the algae turf scrubber:

 

[truthdesigns]

Nice I am splitting my drain line and adding a ball valve to adjust the flow. Where did you get your screen from? I don't have much room for two lights and I'm still trying to find the best bulb or led unit for it. I would love to see some pics of the underwater one might make more since in my case.

 

[dotcommer]

I purchased two of the Santa Monica Algae Turf Scrubbers used here on RC. They are ready to go, just waiting for me to finish my 300 Gallon Build.

Elliot has two of them on his 900 Gallon reef.

 

[truthdesigns]

What light are you going to use?

 

[truthdesigns]

Went out and got all the supplies today I picked up a PAR 20 flood from lowes I think it should do the trick! I just have to put it together hopefully I can get the holes drilled right. Pics to come soon!!

 

[dotcommer]

What light are you going to use?

The unit is set up with two 24" T-5 lights on each side of the screen behind a sealed clear Plexiglas. Here is a pic

 

[Henchman24]

I purchased two of the Santa Monica Algae Turf Scrubbers used here on RC.

Not sure how it works exactly but I hear if you use two scrubbers they should be set up on opposite lighting schedules to help keep the ph level stable throughout the day / night?

Where did you get your screen from?

#7 nylon mesh can be picked up for about $1 at a craft store - I think it is used for knitting

I am planning on making something similar to the santa monica hog scrubber but larger in size. I will be using a mixture of red & orange led's which should work well for algae growth. It will probably be a few weeks before I finish putting it together.

 

[dotcommer]

This sounds like a great project. Keep us posted on the progress.
I have done a bit of reading on Algae scrubbers and they seem to work out great.
You may water may get a little yellowish, but that is easily fixed with Carbon.

 

[BobthePhotoGuy]

I have a 55g sitting in the garage with an algae scrubber and wet,dry. If anyone wants make me an offer.

trades or whatever
Bob

 

[truthdesigns]

I picked up the mesh from walmart got it all set up and its running great! I will post some pics when i get home.

 

[bambam918]

Sounds like a good DIY

Sounds like a good DIY

I was originally going to redesign mine using a adjustable pump for the water flow & a smaller screen to fit it the sump better. Now I have decided to make a HOG type scrubber which is under water on the inside of the sump against the tanks glass & uses an air-stone for water movement. The light or led's in my case would be on the outside of the sump against the glass. I am still in the design stages on that & gathering materials.

Very interested in how your going to DIY the HOG. Please share once you have everything together. I have been wanting to add an ATS to my system but this seems to be a great solution as well

 

[truthdesigns]

Been up and running for 3 days!! I have some growth all ready!! Thanks for all the help

 

[truthdesigns]

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