Is this Algae Scrubber any good?

[kelser01]

I couldn't find anything on it in the forum, but with Ebay and China items Im sure its here under a different name.

So does anyone know of some better terms for me to search or have some experience with this algae scrubber?

Marine Magic Algae Turf Scrubber Double

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Marine-Magi...602220?hash=item4647665fac:g:lk8AAOSw14xWLOnY

thanks again!

 

[kenneth wolfe]

why not..

 

[kelser01]

why not..

As in you think its worth a try?

 

[AZRippster]

There are a few design considerations you may want to think about with this particular offer.

#1 - Having a "spray bar" may be more susceptible to clogging versus a groove like other waterfall designs incorporate.

#2 - From the pictures it looks like only one screen is actually directly lit and only 1 side. This will greatly reduce the efficiency of the unit.

#3 - The way the screens are framed may make it a real PITA to clean. Also, if you can pull the screens straight out, the frame will not allow the screen to "bend" a bit.

#4 - The spray bar looks to be made out of a clear tube allowing algae to grow on the inside of it. This is no good.

#5 - The LEDs may be a bit on the weak side for the distance they are from the fist screen. This is just a guess though.

#6 - The lid may warp in time if it is a single sheet of say 1/4" acrylic. It needs to be reinforced and cannot confirm from pics.

OK, that's enough for now.

 

[kelser01]

There are a few design considerations you may want to think about with this particular offer.

#1 - Having a "spray bar" may be more susceptible to clogging versus a groove like other waterfall designs incorporate.

#2 - From the pictures it looks like only one screen is actually directly lit and only 1 side. This will greatly reduce the efficiency of the unit.

#3 - The way the screens are framed may make it a real PITA to clean. Also, if you can pull the screens straight out, the frame will not allow the screen to "bend" a bit.

#4 - The spray bar looks to be made out of a clear tube allowing algae to grow on the inside of it. This is no good.


#5 - The LEDs may be a bit on the weak side for the distance they are from the fist screen. This is just a guess though.

#6 - The lid may warp in time if it is a single sheet of say 1/4" acrylic. It needs to be reinforced and cannot confirm from pics.

OK, that's enough for now.

Great points! Id love to get the Turbo Rev 4 version - and support a small business just not sure Im in for that kind of expense right now as we are just starting back and keep adding items to our list.:lolspin:

 

[biecacka]

Build one!
Check out my build thread and see mine. I just built it. First time ever working with acrylic. Had a few leaks, but went back over it and I'm good now. It's up and running as of now. Using two CFL bulbs. Have LEDs coming but the CFL will work. Have maybe 40$ in supplies and acrylic.

Corey

 

[rckrzy1]

I ordered the dual led, dual screen version, still waiting to get it.

 

[kelser01]

Oh! well keep us informed

 

[outy]

#1 - Having a "spray bar" may be more susceptible to clogging versus a groove like other waterfall designs incorporate.
.

Nope, they are some large holes.

If they were smaller I would agree.

#2 - From the pictures it looks like only one screen is actually directly lit and only 1 side. This will greatly reduce the efficiency of the unit.

It is lit from two sides, using two screens.


This will grow two sides which may be enough for most nutrient export, unless you really overfeed.


Again tank size and how much food goes in, makes up the demand on how many panels a guy should run

#3 - The way the screens are framed may make it a real PITA to clean. Also, if you can pull the screens straight out, the frame will not allow the screen to "bend" a bit.

Nope.

Screen pulls out for easy cleaning.

#4 - The spray bar looks to be made out of a clear tube allowing algae to grow on the inside of it. This is no good.

Maybe not.

The lights are on the other side of the screen from the spraybar.

Once its broken in very little light will reach it.

#5 - The LEDs may be a bit on the weak side for the distance they are from the fist screen. This is just a guess though.

Its actually decent. and were talking about growing weeds

#6 - The lid may warp in time if it is a single sheet of say 1/4" acrylic. It needs to be reinforced and cannot confirm from pics.

I doubt it. Ive made thinner lids a decade old and they are fine still.




With all that said, not sure Id buy it. Its to easy to make one.

 

[Devaji108]

corey PM or post your build thread would ya...

 

[Devaji108]

OP keep us posted on this as well!

 

[AZRippster]

Sounds like outy has eliminated the potential problems with this ATS. If you end up purchasing, let us know how it's working after about 3 months.

 

[outy]

Sounds like outy has eliminated the potential problems with this ATS. If you end up purchasing, let us know how it's working after about 3 months.

I never said buy it.


And I'm not saying it could not be designed better.


No reason why it would not grow algae, how much is up for debate.



I just like the easily removable screens and the low overall wattage, and its a cheap alternative to building your own.


Your right OP should buy it, and review it for us

 

[AZRippster]

I wasn't trying to imply outy was suggesting you buy this ATS. However, if it ends up sucking horribly, you know who to blame. In turn, if it ends up being a great purchase, you know who to thank. ;-)

 

[biecacka]

Here is the start of it. I have 37$ in acrylic that they cut and the Weldon 4. I have two cfl bulbs around the house. But I did order to LEDs for it for 18$ each. So I'm in it for about 73$...
You can see the completed one here...http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2273111&page=28

Corey

 

[kcinnick]

I messaged the seller to see if a new design could be made.

My suggestion was one screen lit from both sides with an opaque tube, at least that is what I would think would be ideal. Another option would be have the double screen model lit from both sides. I offered to purchase a large quantity to make it happen.

 

[kelser01]

I messaged the seller to see if a new design could be made.

My suggestion was one screen lit from both sides with an opaque tube, at least that is what I would think would be ideal. Another option would be have the double screen model lit from both sides. I offered to purchase a large quantity to make it happen.

We could be in on a group purchase

 

[iced98lx]

I messaged the seller to see if a new design could be made.

My suggestion was one screen lit from both sides with an opaque tube, at least that is what I would think would be ideal. Another option would be have the double screen model lit from both sides. I offered to purchase a large quantity to make it happen.

I wonder if the spraybar vs slot cut is cheaper to produce reliably and why they went two screens. Wonder about basically watering the algae from behind as this model does.

 

[outy]

. Wonder about basically watering the algae from behind as this model does.

Good point.

They show 3 week growth.

But it makes me lean away from it.

 

[biecacka]

One would think the spraybar would provide uneven water flow on the screen.

Corey