what is the purpose of a alge scrubber..??

[alebrun]

just wondering what a alge scrubber does and how it benifits a reef tank

 

[degibson84]

nutrient export

 

[_shorty_]

In very simple terms yes, as stated above: nutrient export. It differs from a skimmer in the fact that it works post-cycle instead of pre-cycle. Skimmer works at taking out a lot of the matter that turns into Nitrates and Phosphates. Where the algae uses up Nitrates and Phosphates (after they develop) in order to grow. An effective scrubber tries to maximize that algae growth in a way that is easy to physically remove from the system (or Export).

Many varried opinions on how effective they are, but I'm in the camp that believes if done correctly, they are a cheap, easy, and effective way of necessary nutrient export.

There are also speculations that there are other bennefits as well, such as amino acids that algae produces. There is also more CO2 absorption and more O2 which can help with pH, potentially. Also the ability to run the scrubber during the night which can help reduce pH swings (but this could be done with a fuge as well).

Some draw-backs: for example - waterfall scrubbers even though effective, can reduce alkalinity fairly rapidly without addition of extra CO2 somehow into the system. Also having to do weekly cleans on your algae screens.

 

[alebrun]

kinda sounds a lil high maintance.. LOL Altho i certantly dont mind doing extra maintance to my tank...

 

[biodegraded]

Their purpose is to turn your water yellow.

 

[barry_keith]

Their purpose is to turn your water yellow.

Nothing carbon cannot take care of

 

[DavidinGA]

Their purpose is to turn your water yellow.

Lol

Sent by Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and Tapatalk 2

 

[kaskiles]

The purpose is to provide a better place (out of sight) for algae to grow than in your display tank. The hope is that in this place the algae will grow so much better than the display tank, that all the algae will move to this place...