$5 algae scrubber

D3DPrintedThingz · Mar 30, 2023

Need:

knitting mesh
Egg crate
Flexible tubing
Small pump
$3 wal mart tray.

I put egg crate on the tray then 2 layers of knitting mesh, overlapping in the middle. Algae grows in egg crate and out through the mesh. When it gets too full, razor blade the top of the mesh and start over.

I didn’t have a lot of room or money to play with. This thing is doing what it should!

HankstankXXL750 · Mar 30, 2023

If you could do the same thing only put a lid on it you would have less evaporation if that is a problem.

ilikefish69 said:
Need:

knitting mesh
Egg crate
Flexible tubing
Small pump
$3 wal mart tray.

I put egg crate on the tray then 2 layers of knitting mesh, overlapping in the middle. Algae grows in egg crate and out through the mesh. When it gets too full, razor blade the top of the mesh and start over.

I didn’t have a lot of room or money to play with. This thing is doing what it should!

D3DPrintedThingz · Mar 30, 2023

HankstankXXXL750 said:
If you could do the same thing only put a lid on it you would have less evaporation if that is a problem.

I had a second tray that fit over it, mostly worried about splashing, not much evaporation, it’s enclosed under a cabinet… well at least I don’t think it’s too much, lol. Ended up taking it off cause I bumped it and it wasn’t doing much but blocking some light. Evaporating Probably 1-2 gallons a day? I have an obnoxious reservoir of RODI with a float in a 5 gallon bucket so it’s hard to monitor what is evaporating.

HankstankXXL750 · Mar 30, 2023

ilikefish69 said:
I had a second tray that fit over it, mostly worried about splashing, not much evaporation, it’s enclosed under a cabinet… well at least I don’t think it’s too much, lol. Ended up taking it off cause I bumped it and it wasn’t doing much but blocking some light. Evaporating Probably 1-2 gallons a day? I have an obnoxious reservoir of RODI with a float in a 5 gallon bucket so it’s hard to monitor what is evaporating.

Mine all have auto top off fed directly from the RO unit with floats and an solenoid sensor back up so I don’t know what I lose, but before I evaporated a lot out of the open tops. So just suggesting as I would assume the water running over like that would cause more evaporation than before.
Great idea. I purchased one, but will try to do something similar for myself in my other tanks.

D3DPrintedThingz · Apr 1, 2023

HankstankXXXL750 said:
Mine all have auto top off fed directly from the RO unit with floats and an solenoid sensor back up so I don’t know what I lose, but before I evaporated a lot out of the open tops. So just suggesting as I would assume the water running over like that would cause more evaporation than before.
Great idea. I purchased one, but will try to do something similar for myself in my other tanks.

As far as the open tops go…. Lol, I am going through some RODI I guess!

and also my first harvest from yesterday, used a credit card

Indymann99 · Apr 2, 2023

$80 DIY.

topjimmy · Apr 2, 2023

Indymann99 said:
$80 DIY.

That sump is way too clean and organized.

D3DPrintedThingz · Apr 2, 2023

Indymann99 said:
$80 DIY.

Dude, that is SICK. How do you keep everything so neat and organized

HankstankXXL750 · Apr 2, 2023

Indymann99 said:
$80 DIY.

What is the “box” that you used. Nice hinges too.

Indymann99 · Apr 2, 2023

HankstankXXXL750 said:
What is the “box” that you used. Nice hinges too.

The box is an acrylic box from Amazon. I used one listed on a DIY thread here on R2R (Search). It was clear but WAYYYYY too bright. I taped off the area for the lights (front and rear) and painted the inside white.

Indymann99 · Apr 26, 2023

Update on the ATS, working well, pulling this much every 2 weeks. Still running the ATS lights 24x7.

D3DPrintedThingz · Apr 27, 2023

Indymann99 said:
Update on the ATS, working well, pulling this much every 2 weeks. Still running the ATS lights 24x7.

These suckers who spend stupid money on an algae scrubber……..

HankstankXXL750 · Apr 27, 2023

ilikefish69 said:
These suckers who spend stupid money on an algae scrubber……..

I would ask how long you have been running this setup. I ask because my impression of this setup is that it isn’t focusing or containing the light. IMO and experience you will begin to grow algae throughout you sump. Might want to look into how to design it so the light is restricted to your growing screens.

D3DPrintedThingz · Apr 28, 2023

HankstankXXXL750 said:
I would ask how long you have been running this setup. I ask because my impression of this setup is that it isn’t focusing or containing the light. IMO and experience you will begin to grow algae throughout you sump. Might want to look into how to design it so the light is restricted to your growing screens.

That is a great point! It’s been long enough to harvest 5-6 crops of algae. I have been getting a bit of algae on the glass closest to me, but i have just swiped an open hand across the glass and it all comes off in one tuft. I have since added 2 low power LED lights to grow out some Zoas and Duncan’s. The Zoas do not like it down there but Duncan’s are safe (two kleini decided they liked the taste of Duncan coral)

If the bleeding light becomes a problem I will probably print a light shade that keeps the beam of light more contained. Since setting up the algae scrubber I have not had to do a water change. I am removing excess nutrients and using 2 part with magnesium to add back what the corals eat. Tank is hitting its stride, happy and healthy and balanced.
If the bleeding light becomes a problem I will probably print a light shade that keeps the beam of light more contained. Since setting up the algae scrubber I have not had to do a water change. I am removing excess nutrients and using 2 part with magnesium to add back what the corals eat. Tank is hitting its stride, happy and healthy and balanced.

j.falk · Apr 28, 2023

$2.00 algae scrubber.

D3DPrintedThingz · Apr 28, 2023

j.falk said:
$2.00 algae scrubber.

looooooooooool TWO DOLLARS for that thing? I get the 5 pack from wal mart!!

algae scrubber is a identifying name for filter device that "grows algae outside the water of your tank" - a little confusing, but it is similar to a co2 scrubber. many companies make them, and many cheap people like me try to mimic their behavior with much cheaper supplies