xerophyte_nyc Posted December 5, 2012 Share Posted December 5, 2012 Link to Algae Scrubber details, in my build For anyone interested, here is a DIY for an algae scrubber for my system's sump. It is a new build, so the filtration benefits of the scrubber will develop slowly over time. The structure is made from 1/2" and 1" PVC with fittings and joints and a plastic canvas from an art supply store to be used for the screen where algae will grow. The screen was roughed up with a hacksaw blade. Clear plastic shower curtain rings hold the screen in place. Pump is a maxijet 1200 with vinyl tubing. Light is a 50W eBay LED fixture with the wavelength custom designed (660nm and 450nm, 8:1 red: blue). There is also a diffuser that was cut to fit. Link to comment
krackerjacksna Posted December 5, 2012 Share Posted December 5, 2012 Looks nice, can't wait to see it in a month Link to comment
Syn Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 I am going to build an algae scrubber as well in my sump. Is it possible to get better pics/explanation of the plumbing please? I am still looking around for ideas. Edit: d'oh! Shoulda checked your tank thread before asking. Found all I was looking for in there. Thanks! Link to comment
InvaderJim Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 I've actually been looking into building one of these for my new tank build. I may copy your design because it seems to be the most simple and straight forward. Anxious to see the progress on this. Link to comment
xerophyte_nyc Posted December 28, 2012 Author Share Posted December 28, 2012 Here is what the algae growth looks like so far. Slow at first, as expected with a new tank. This past week it has been turning more green and picking up the pace. Link to comment
Bubba30 Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 What lighting schedule are you running? Can we get a picture with lights to see the plumbing? Link to comment
xerophyte_nyc Posted December 28, 2012 Author Share Posted December 28, 2012 Here is a link to my build with the scrubber: http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/314580-bommies-edge-20-algae-scrubber/?p=4104550 Because the lights are so potent, I am only running them 6 hours - from 5PM to 11PM. I am not completely convinced that running lights for refugium macros or scrubbers is best on an alternate time from the DT, so I run my scrubber light partially during the DT light cycle, and partially in the DT dark. Link to comment
xerophyte_nyc Posted January 19, 2013 Author Share Posted January 19, 2013 Algae scrubber is doing nicely. I harvested several times after waiting 4-5 days. This time I waited about 10 days to allow the growth to get nice and thick. You can see the mounding areas. I am also bumping up the lights to 8.5 hrs. Last couple of weeks it was at 7 hours. DT algae is almost in a steady state, I only notice some growth from the hair algae. As I increase the scrubber's hours, I hope to see some better out-competing. Link to comment
gonzalez78 Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 It does not look like you roughed up the plastic canvas, it will catch the algae better that way. I built one 2 weeks ago but it turned out the pump I had is not strong enough to power it so ill need to wait until I can afford a stronger one Link to comment
xerophyte_nyc Posted January 20, 2013 Author Share Posted January 20, 2013 It does not look like you roughed up the plastic canvas, it will catch the algae better that way. I built one 2 weeks ago but it turned out the pump I had is not strong enough to power it so ill need to wait until I can afford a stronger one re: not rough enough, if you mean that piece in the last photo, I just added some untouched canvas to lengthen it because it was too high and water was splashing down too heavy creating microbubbles everywhere. If you're referring to the main screen, then you make no sense - I did rough it up and how do you suppose all the great algae is sticking? LOL Link to comment
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