Algae Scrubbers

[Robert1994]

Can't get Chaeto Algae sent to Hawaii, so looking at Clear Water Algae Scrubber. Can I supply the scrubber with water directly from my overflow pipe, or do I need a stand alone pump to feed it from the sump ? Thanks

 

[vetteguy53081]

Can't get Chaeto Algae sent to Hawaii, so looking at Clear Water Algae Scrubber. Can I supply the scrubber with water directly from my overflow pipe, or do I need a stand alone pump to feed it from the sump ? Thanks

BOTH BUT PREFERABLY EXTERNAL PUMP.

 

[ca1ore]

As long as you have adequate flow from the drain (nominally 35 gph per inch of scrubber screen length) I’d favor that. Take advantage of gravity rather than burning another pump. My ATS is fed from a siphon drain.

 

[Feet4Fish]

As long as you have adequate flow from the drain (nominally 35 gph per inch of scrubber screen length) I’d favor that. Take advantage of gravity rather than burning another pump. My ATS is fed from a siphon drain.

Perhaps a dumb question....but running it off your drain doesn't in any way jeopardize the siphon? I can't think of any way that it would, but just checking.

 

[ca1ore]

Not that I have found. It’s a modified bean actually with multiple siphons (each with a prescribed purpose). If ATS growth reduces siphon flow, it manifests through the secondary which prompts me to clean the screen.

 

[Feet4Fish]

Not that I have found. It’s a modified bean actually with multiple siphons (each with a prescribed purpose). If ATS growth reduces siphon flow, it manifests through the secondary which prompts me to clean the screen.

Great point!!! Working on making my ATS right now. Your build thread gave me the kick in the pants to donut myself. Commercial units just seemed way too overpriced for all that they really are!

 

[SantaMonica]

I've never seen an overflow fed scrubber cause trouble, because the backed up water just pushes out more algae out of the slot.

 

[Josh@ClearWaterScrubbers]

Can't get Chaeto Algae sent to Hawaii, so looking at Clear Water Algae Scrubber. Can I supply the scrubber with water directly from my overflow pipe, or do I need a stand alone pump to feed it from the sump ? Thanks

We recommend using a separate pump. This allows you better control of the flow for optimal growth. Plus with a drain you don’t get even flow or pressure. You would also need to plumb in a bypass for when you need to shut the water off into the scrubber for cleaning.