Which Algae Turf Scrubber?

bshow24

Member
I'm on the market for an ATS and unfortunately, Turbo's Aquatics (Bud) is extremely busy and won't be able to build one for me. After doing a couple searches, I came across 2 companies that seemed to create decent scrubbers. 302 Aquatics and Acrylic Creations.

Now, I'm not too up to speed with these devices, can anyone provide any insight to which one would be best? The scrubber will be for an SPS system with 65 gallons total water volume and 4 fish (feed MAYBE 1 cube a day).
 
Gosh I need to make those.. Those guys make a killing on them..

I can't help you though.. I ran one (made it myself) and its just not something I want to constantly maintain..
Are you wanting it for those small tanks of yours? Why?
 
I wish I had the time/ability to build one, but unfortunately it's not quite there.

I'm upgrading my system and going bigger, want to make sure I provide enough nutrient export. I am utilizing Tonga Branching rock and will keep scape minimal inside the tank. I know a few people around town who have utilized scrubbers and their tanks look amazing.
 
I owned one of the companies in blue . The unit bowed over a 1/4 inch in 30 days. Owner and I didn't see eye to eye . I gave a big scrubber away on my face book page. Covered in a plastic wrap . Please look and touch one before you purchase . This was the big 8 lamp unit. Owner states they all bow . This means they are all bad to me.
 
Owner states they all bow . This means they are all bad to me.

No, they all DO NOT bow. Both of my Turboaquatics have ran 24x7 3 years straight without any issue. Lights are on 24x7 for 2years, no bowing.

To the OP, I would suggest making a cheapie until you can actually buy a Turboaquatics.
 
Turbo Aquatics all the way. Yes you can cheaply DIY but usually not to the quality and detail of the Turbo Aquatics or like me just don't have the time or know how to do one as nice as his scrubbers.

I have a rev3 L3 that I've been running for what has to be over a year now. Absolutely no bowing and still in the same great shape it was in when I first bought it.

I'm looking to upgrade to his newest rev 4 and bigger with an L8. Just a heads up he's a bit backed up right now and has priority lists. I've gor the L3 working great so I keep telling him I'm low priority so others can get theirs first.

http://www.turbosaquatics.com

And if you have one of his units he is awesome for customer support.


They are super easy to maintain. I pull the screen very quickly and scrape both sides getting back in service with in 5 minutes.
 
No, they all DO NOT bow. Both of my Turboaquatics have ran 24x7 3 years straight without any issue. Lights are on 24x7 for 2years, no bowing.

To the OP, I would suggest making a cheapie until you can actually buy a Turboaquatics.

I'm fairly certain he's talking about one of the two companies I provided links for.

Turbo Aquatics all the way. Yes you can cheaply DIY but usually not to the quality and detail of the Turbo Aquatics or like me just don't have the time or know how to do one as nice as his scrubbers.

I have a rev3 L3 that I've been running for what has to be over a year now. Absolutely no bowing and still in the same great shape it was in when I first bought it.

I'm looking to upgrade to his newest rev 4 and bigger with an L8. Just a heads up he's a bit backed up right now and has priority lists. I've gor the L3 working great so I keep telling him I'm low priority so others can get theirs first.

http://www.turbosaquatics.com

I've been in contact with Bud because originally I wanted one from him. There is a list of 50+ already, and he has been working crazy hours so he will probably not be able to get those done for a while.
 
I'm fairly certain he's talking about one of the two companies I provided links for.



I've been in contact with Bud because originally I wanted one from him. There is a list of 50+ already, and he has been working crazy hours so he will probably not be able to get those done for a while.


Seriously worth the wait. [emoji4]
 
No, they all DO NOT bow. Both of my Turboaquatics have ran 24x7 3 years straight without any issue. Lights are on 24x7 for 2years, no bowing.

I may be mistaken, but based on his subtle hint of the "company in blue" my guess is he's referring to 302 Aquatics and not Turbo Aquatics.
 
I may be mistaken, but based on his subtle hint of the "company in blue" my guess is he's referring to 302 Aquatics and not Turbo Aquatics.
Yes he is but I believe the reply was to confirm the maker of the scrubber in blue was full of it when he said they will all bow. Which we know they all don't.
 
I contacted Bud recently too... Based on his attention to detail and the glowing reviews, I'll be more than happy to wait.
 
Yes he is but I believe the reply was to confirm the maker of the scrubber in blue was full of it when he said they will all bow. Which we know they all don't.

Bingo...finally someone gets it.

Not ALL scrubbers bow. I KNOW Turboaquatics' ATS's do NOT bow.

They are worth the wait. I would not purchase another brand.

Build a cheapie with pvc piping, screen, saran wrap, and a light while waiting for one.

I hope this was clear enough.
 
I contacted Bud recently too... Based on his attention to detail and the glowing reviews, I'll be more than happy to wait.

Agreed, but last I heard from him, he was going to be refunding everyone as he saw no end in sight for his work. I'm hoping I can definitely get one from him in the end.
 
Agreed, but last I heard from him, he was going to be refunding everyone as he saw no end in sight for his work. I'm hoping I can definitely get one from him in the end.
FYI he doesn't take money until he's just about to start. But if he did take money and further out then he'd like I can see that. He doesn't like to hold on to people's money and treats people right.
 
100% agree with jason..on everything!!! i own L3 for 3 years with 0 problems. Bud is top notch person to deal with..

i would wait !!
 
Sounds like its time for Bud to hire an employee as it certainly seems like orders are there (just being potentially lost,etc... due to his schedule)..
 
It's his side gig so I understand. In chatting with him and seeing his attention to detail, I'm totally fine with being patient. Definitely looking forward to incorporating his L2 on my next tank upgrade.

I've looked at the Rain2 from Santa Monica as well. It's a nice compact and simple design. I just don't like how there isn't a light blocker for the base of the screen and how the lights aren't dimmable. In every review I've seen, the center of the screen gets little to no growth as I believe the lights are too intense and can't be turned down.
 
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