Algae Turf scrubber do you use one your opinion

C

cptstnkpnts

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Joined
Jan 28, 2014
Location
London, Ontario
As a Newbie I am always researching different ways to fight GHA. So far the fight is going okay but I would like the best possible outcome. I am cleaning my glass almost every day at this time but there is no significant buildup. I have been looking online at Algae Turf Scrubbers and I am looking for the frag tank's opinion on these seemingly easy to operate cheap to build systems.

Thanks
 
Jewel

Jewel

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Joined
Oct 11, 2011
Location
Wingham Ontario
I've got one built into my Refugeum, My Sump has a 4 inch area its actually 4 inches by 20 long and 14 deep and as the water exits into the sump, there's a waterfall effect, this area is lit up 24/7 and it has produced some green Algae The water flows right through it constantly. I've tried to build a remote in the past with good results but I think this is exactly whats going on in my Fuge.  The Benefits? Not sure but I don't have any Algae issues.
 
Jewel

Jewel

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Oct 11, 2011
Location
Wingham Ontario
One thing I know about them is they don't have to be very big, They also have to be lit 24/7. When I built mine it was a 400 MJ I put a 1/2 pipe over it then an elbow that was capped, I put a piece of plastic hanging from the top piece of pipe. I hung it with plastic ties. Drilled small holes in the under side of the pipe so the water flowed down over the plastic and voila it's done, Light it up and leave it alone.
 
AdInfinitum

AdInfinitum

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Jan 12, 2012
Location
Thorndale, Ontario
Unless you have lots of space ie: basement sump and spare time and electricity to maintain it, the only way it might be worthwhile would be if you did it on a large enough scale to eliminate the need for bio-pellets and GFO.  Many large research systems use them exclusively since they allow the control of sealed systems not requiring outside additions or removal of substances, but one of the smaller ones I am familiar with, running an approximately 600-800 gal system required an algal growth table around 5 feet by 9 feet and 8 400 watt halides.

Adding a "fun sized" one to a system will not hurt and will provide a good source of pods and if regularly maintained/harvested will supply some nutrient export but at that scale, do it for the project and interest rather than imagining it will solve your nutrient export issues.

I will probably do one when I get the basement sump done but just to see what I can grow.
 
Darryl_V

Darryl_V

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Joined
Jun 29, 2011
Location
Woodstock, Ontario
AdInfinitum link said:
Unless you have lots of space ie: basement sump and spare time and electricity to maintain it, the only way it might be worthwhile would be if you did it on a large enough scale to eliminate the need for bio-pellets and GFO.  Many large research systems use them exclusively since they allow the control of sealed systems not requiring outside additions or removal of substances, but one of the smaller ones I am familiar with, running an approximately 600-800 gal system required an algal growth table around 5 feet by 9 feet and 8 400 watt halides.

Adding a \"fun sized\" one to a system will not hurt and will provide a good source of pods and if regularly maintained/harvested will supply some nutrient export but at that scale, do it for the project and interest rather than imagining it will solve your nutrient export issues.

I will probably do one when I get the basement sump done but just to see what I can grow.
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great post and my thoughts as well.
 
S

spyd

Super Active Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2011
Location
Kitchener, Ontario
Go with GFO and a reactor. Tried, tested and true way to remove the phosphates from your system that the GHA is feeding off. It is relatively inexpensive to run as well. The BRS Dual reactor is relatively inexpensive and can run off a MJ1200. Get some carbon and GFO and you are set.
 
Jewel

Jewel

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Joined
Oct 11, 2011
Location
Wingham Ontario
You don't need a very big one for your Tank, If you like DIY projects for your tank then make one, You'll see the benefits.
 
curiousphil

curiousphil

Super Active Member
Joined
Apr 15, 2013
Location
London, Ontario
Darryl_V link said:
[quote author=pulpfiction1 link=topic=8043.msg84984#msg84984 date=1394286009]
if you dont want to build one you can buy one here from the looks of it

http://www.santa-monica.cc/
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Please dont give that guy any money....
[/quote]

Had to lol at this but +1 for sure hahaha.  You can make a scrubber for under 10 bucks not including the pump (or T off your return = free).
 
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