Question about algae scrubber design...

[meegwell]

I see some designs contained within a box - typically dark acrylic- while others are essentially open to the fudge or tank. Does it matter and why? I see some common waterfall designs were the water and screen are hanging right into the tank. Does that matter? Is it better to somehow "contain". Either the algae itself or the light spread?

 

[mcgyvr]

When I built one a while back I used black acrylic as the back solely to block light from surrounding areas..

 

[reefer1970]

My drain splits off to a horizontal 3/4" pvc with a slot cut through it and plastic mesh sheet hanging under it. An eBay 50 watt led light grows a HIUUGE ( in a Trump voice) amount of algae. It drains into a rear section of the sumo with the light hung on the rear wall of the cabinet


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[meegwell]

:bounce2:

My drain splits off to a horizontal 3/4" pvc with a slot cut through it and plastic mesh sheet hanging under it. An eBay 50 watt led light grows a HIUUGE ( in a Trump voice) amount of algae. It drains into a rear section of the sumo with the light hung on the rear wall of the cabinet


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How is the algae in your display tank?

Ok, so what I am gathering from designs I've seen all over and comments is that it doesn't matter if the algae mesh is hanging into the sump in an "open" environment.

 

[reefer1970]

I've had the scrubber since day 1 and have always had zero algae in the DT. Not even a trace of hair algae. I think the closed scrubbers can be smaller because they hit both sides of the mesh with light and they will keep the light contained so algae won't grow in other areas of the sump. I don't have that problem. It's easier to DIY an open scrubber and I assume to clean one


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[ca1ore]

I built mine enclosed simply to contain the mess. ATS generates quite a bit of spray and thus salt residue. I use lights mounted outside the box so acrylic is clear.