DIY Algae Turf Scrubber

[EvMiBo]

well, after looking through some searches I found a pretty good color code for different countries and was able to make some safe assumptions. I hooked it up and tested it, it works!

fwiw I connected the light's yellow/green to the extension cords green, the light's blue to the extension cord's white, and the light's brown to the extension cord's black.

 

[gb530]

well, after looking through some searches I found a pretty good color code for different countries and was able to make some safe assumptions. I hooked it up and tested it, it works! fwiw I connected the light's yellow/green to the extension cords green, the light's blue to the extension cord's white, and the light's brown to the extension cord's black.

Thanks for sharing which ones match up! :thumbsup: I ordered the same light several days ago, so still waiting for mine to arrive!

 

[EvMiBo]

Should have mine all up and running tomorrow. I've attached another picture that I received from the distributor in China.

 

[rrasco]

LOL @firewire.

 

[gb530]

Should have mine all up and running tomorrow. I've attached another picture that I received from the distributor in China.

:beer:

 

[EvMiBo]

Up and running for 2 days now (had it running without lights about 5 days prior). Starting to see a very small amount of algae growth. Also, I'm running these for 10hours, I've seen most recommend 9hours/day with the 660nm LEDs, but I figured an extra hour would be okay since it's brand new, what are your thoughts daytek, and hiw long are you running yours?

Also, I used 1/2" PVC in my construction, an am using a piece of 1.25" PVC with an opening lengthwise as a splash/light guard for the opening. Will try to share pictures soon.

 

[daytek]

Hi

Mine are running 18 on and 6 off.

 

[cubfanmatt]

Can I get the link on those lights? Are you all splicing them to an extension cord? Sounds easy enough for me to handle. I think I found these lights on eBay and noticed they have 10-20-30 W. If my screen is 5 (width) X 10 (length)and lit from both sides (feed two cubes plus aminos acids)should I go with the 20? How far from the screen should these lights be? Great video Datek I copied your design....flattery!

Thanks!

 

[EvMiBo]

Hi

Mine are running 18 on and 6 off.

Thanks, I switched mine to 18 on and 6 off.

 

[EvMiBo]

Can I get the link on those lights? Are you all splicing them to an extension cord? Sounds easy enough for me to handle. I think I found these lights on eBay and noticed they have 10-20-30 W. If my screen is 5 (width) X 10 (length)and lit from both sides (feed two cubes plus aminos acids)should I go with the 20? How far from the screen should these lights be? Great video Datek I copied your design....flattery!

Thanks!

I basically tried to copy most of daytek's setup too. I'm using the 20w lights, as is daytek (he mentions this in his videos). I got mine off ebay, just make sure theyre 660nm. I connected the wires to a 6-foot extension cord (3 prong that has ground). I think anything from 2-4" is pretty good. Also, it kind of depends on your tank size in relation to the screen size, there's a massive ats algae turf scrubber basics thread here on reef central, the generally consensus seems to be that width x height should = at least your tank volume in gallons ( if you have lights on both sides)... For example, my tank is 50g so I made my screen 6.5" x 8.5" (=55.25). I think there's still a lot of questions about that and some other things to take into consideration too, like 35gph/inch of screen width, which should help you determine which pump to use. I tried a more powerful pump initially and it was too much flow. So now I run it at almost exactly 35gph/inch..

You may have already known that bu thought I'd share incase you haven't.

 

[cubfanmatt]

Thanks EvMiBo
All of this I knew but needed another reminder on some pf it. And thanks for the kick in the pants to go and re-read the basics thread.

 

[Daimyo68]

Great thread! Can I get a PM on the LED lights used please

 

[daytek]

PMs sent

 

[EvMiBo]

Thanks EvMiBo
All of this I knew but needed another reminder on some pf it. And thanks for the kick in the pants to go and re-read the basics thread.

No problem! That basics thread might take you a couple days to read though!!

 

[ddropski]

verry kool and good craftsmanship

 

[daytek]

Thanks Man

 

[Devaji108]

nice build glad u went with the LED...
1 question why did u decide to go with the h20fall scrubber instead of an up flow scrubber?
just curious...I am a big fan of scrubbers admittedly I don't have a take up and running right now ( move to much) but when I do it will be scrubber only...

oh and can we get an FTS cuz we all love seeing them!

 

[daytek]

Hi

The water fall scrubbers are more efficient at what they do and they can be lit from both sides so it will speed up the growth of algae on the screen

 

[leveldrummer]

What kind of results are you seeing in your nitrates and your tank?

 

[saf1]

Yeah, this has to be one of the craziest things I've seen but then again to each his / her own. Nice project. I don't agree with the working on the flag. Then again, I'm guessing you haven't served in any form of military.

Oddly enough the song by the Kinks "There's No England Anymore" is playing in my head. Thanks.