Would like to know what you guys think....

[skidder84]

Mega-Powerful Nitrate and Phosphate Remover Replaces Skimmer, Refugium, Everything



http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums...ver-replaces-skimmer-refugium-everything.html

 

[R_Hudson]

I've seen these before. Someone on here showed how to build a turf scrubber at one time. I can't remember if it was in the diy or filtration forum. I remember reading the whole thing and this is basically the same concept really kinda neat if you ask me.

 

[BruceW67]

Sorry. Double post

 

[BruceW67]

It works. I've seen in person, more than one system running one.

 

[skidder84]

I'm really thinking about takin my skimmer out and doing this...

 

[mutateddogbone]

although algae scrubbers do work, the bulbs get expensive quick. you need 2 high powered CFL flood lamps to make one work properly, and to maximize efficiency and nutrient export, the bulbs have to be replaced every 3 months. at 15 bux for a 2 pack, that racks up fast. on top of that, you have to constantly clean the scrubber surface and ensure the proper flow over it. although it is a great idea, a protein skimmer and GFO is still easier and almost as cost efficient.

just my .02

 

[skidder84]

But my protein skimmer doesn't take out my phosphates (witch are high). I didn't read that you have to replace the bulbs that often.

Is there a way to make them both work together? And maybe just a one sided?

 

[ghellin]

I am adding one to my 58 it will sit on top of my 20 long sump. I hope to have it up and running in the next 2 weeks.

 

[jjmcat]

although algae scrubbers do work, the bulbs get expensive quick. you need 2 high powered CFL flood lamps to make one work properly, and to maximize efficiency and nutrient export, the bulbs have to be replaced every 3 months. at 15 bux for a 2 pack, that racks up fast. on top of that, you have to constantly clean the scrubber surface and ensure the proper flow over it. although it is a great idea, a protein skimmer and GFO is still easier and almost as cost efficient.

just my .02

Where did you get this information?

 

[mutateddogbone]

http://www.algaescrubber.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=68
http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/polls/58479-algae-scrubbers.html

you can run a one sided ATS, but you are only running 50% efficiency. the size of your ATS will also determine efficiency. if you can drop the cash for better lighting for your ATS, there is some interesting threads out there on using T5 setups or custom LED setups. you need bulbs in the 3500-4500 Kelvin range, and those are most easily attainable in CFL flood lamps. The algae will only grow as efficient as the bulbs that are putting light on your ATS to grow the algae. and all CFL lose 50-75% power in the first 3 months. you can use the bulbs for longer, but you wont be growing the algae as fast.

I have also personally thought about doing this in the past, but you need a good amount of space to make one work properly. The bigger the screen, the more algae you will pull out. I would have tried one, but i bought bio pellets first. So i skim, run 250ml of bio pellets, and change out 2 cups of GFO every 4-6 weeks and have little-no algae issues and great coral growth.

 

[jjmcat]

I have lots of room under the tank stand and have been thinking about doing the same thing.I am wondering about the Kelvin's though.I was under the impression the sun was around 5k.Maybe the algae prefers a more yellow light wave.Thanks again for the links.I would like to do more research on this.

 

[AquaSump]

i bought bio pellets first. So i skim, run 250ml of bio pellets, and change out 2 cups of GFO every 4-6 weeks and have little-no algae issues and great coral growth.

Can old GFO cause cyno issues? I've been running phosban for the past 5-6 months and started noticing a cyno prob about 6-8 weeks ago with no other changes in parameters.

 

[skidder84]

I am adding one to my 58 it will sit on top of my 20 long sump. I hope to have it up and running in the next 2 weeks.

Would love to see pic... before/during/after.

 

[ghellin]

I will start out with a clamp on with cfl but plan to build a led rig using blue and red LEDs maybe a few warm whites.

 

[mutateddogbone]

Can old GFO cause cyno issues? I've been running phosban for the past 5-6 months and started noticing a cyno prob about 6-8 weeks ago with no other changes in parameters.

could be. if you grind GFO together, you are basically releaseing Iron into your water column, which is fuel for algae. but cyano is a bacteria so im not 100% on this. it probably has more to do with old bulbs/overfeeding/flow than anything

 

[jjmcat]

I have heard that cyano will thrive in an iron rich environment.

 

[AquaSump]

Ok thanks.

 

[BruceW67]

any progress?

 

[skidder84]

Got it up and running last night. Still running skimmer, ATS is a little small but will work for now. I did move the light back after I took the pics. Tested phos. right befor (.64) aka HIGH!!!

 

[BruceW67]

looks great! only doing one light though? not double sided?


any growth yet? what bulb are you using?