Build your own algae scrubber the why?

[Cool tangs]

Planning to build my own DIY algae scrubber this weekend.

They sound like a good form of nutrients control vs micro algae. Since it takes advantage of the annoying stuff that already grows in your system, although your confined it to one area in the hopes to out compete in your DT

Prove me wrong whilst I drink this double IPA of delish heaven

 

[Vinman]

Planning to build my own DIY algae scrubber this weekend.

They sound like a good form of nutrients control vs micro algae. Since it takes advantage of the annoying stuff that already grows in your system, although your confined it to one area in the hopes to out compete in your DT

Prove me wrong whilst I drink this double IPA of delish heaven

A double IPA in the morning. Wow nice start

 

[fishface NJ]

A double IPA in the morning. Wow nice start

It's 2:40 PM there now not morning

 

[RichReef]

I have a DIY waterfall scrubber and it's the best thing I have added to my tank. Granted mine is a 15 high tank that is separate from the main system which is probably a huge advantage. Nutrient control is easy. Just shorten or lengthen the light schedule. Harvest every 2 weeks.

I am about to start a new build. I have the tank. Gathering equipment and getting my ducks in a row. There will be pics of it because I am using it on my new system.

The lights were the most expensive thing. I went through a lot of different lights before I found Expression LTD scrubber lights. They are hands down the best out there. I had to buy 6. They gave me the most growth and the most dark green algae. Nothing else came close.

LED Grow Light Bar, Algae Scrubber

LED Grow Light Bar for Algae Scrubbers in salt water or fresh water aquariums grow the algae on a screen, instead of in the tank, and remove bad or excess nutrients from the water without expensive filtration units needed.

www.expressions-ltd.com

 

[DavidinGA]

DIY ats is my sole export method on my 90g setup.
I run a slanted tray off my drain line (no need for the additional pump) and a cheap amazon LED over it. Works great. Pretty much everyone will tell you you need a vertical waterfall setup and a dedicated pump, but I haven't found that to be true in my experience.

 

[fishface NJ]

photos would be great!

 

[Cool tangs]

photos would be great!

Totally agree, will post some photos this weekend once I start the build, keeping it very simple

 

[Cool tangs]

DIY ats is my sole export method on my 90g setup.
I run a slanted tray off my drain line (no need for the additional pump) and a cheap amazon LED over it. Works great. Pretty much everyone will tell you you need a vertical waterfall setup and a dedicated pump, but I haven't found that to be true in my experience.

You got a photo mate? Curious if your light spill is also growing algae in the sump in places you don't want it?

Thanks for the input greatly appreciated it

 

[DavidinGA]

I'll try to take one and post it.

It basically looks like this drawing:

 

[DxMarinefish]

I have a DIY waterfall scrubber and it's the best thing I have added to my tank. Granted mine is a 15 high tank that is separate from the main system which is probably a huge advantage. Nutrient control is easy. Just shorten or lengthen the light schedule. Harvest every 2 weeks.

I am about to start a new build. I have the tank. Gathering equipment and getting my ducks in a row. There will be pics of it because I am using it on my new system.

The lights were the most expensive thing. I went through a lot of different lights before I found Expression LTD scrubber lights. They are hands down the best out there. I had to buy 6. They gave me the most growth and the most dark green algae. Nothing else came close.

LED Grow Light Bar, Algae Scrubber

LED Grow Light Bar for Algae Scrubbers in salt water or fresh water aquariums grow the algae on a screen, instead of in the tank, and remove bad or excess nutrients from the water without expensive filtration units needed.

www.expressions-ltd.com

I use the same lights on my 2x ATS. They are amazing.

 

[Cool tangs]

I use the same lights on my 2x ATS. They are amazing.

Well done on this one, looks professional!

I think this is what I will aim for in the future for next DIY

 

[Cool tangs]

Okay so got it build and so far went well. Although there was some hiccups due to limited supply's, I had to change my plan on the fly. Quick and simply DIY all you need is a rotery/dremil kit! Total cost was around $40 aus dolleroos and super basic. I already had the light, so the cost doesn't include the light.

The only thing I will keep an eye on is.making for the plastic container doesn't start to dry and crack from the light, as some plastics just don't fiar well in sun light. I will probably upgrade at some point though, anyway here is a pic of the quick and dirty!

Carved a slot into the pvc overhang/waterfall, cable tie the plastic mesh.

Cut slots into the container to hold the waterfall and light.

cut pvc legs and silicone them to the metal part of the light.

drill 2x drainage holes.

Assemble and done

 

[Turbo's Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

The lights really needs to be directed toward the side of the screen rather than on top. but it looks like a ton of light so maybe it'll bounce around enough to do some good. It will be probably 5-10x as effective from the side though. But I guess, see how it goes.

Algae is going to grow inside the pipe with the light being so close.

One thing I would do, if you want to keep water from escaping through the notch that you cut for the slot pipe (in the tote), take a 2" piece of airline hose and snake a zip-tie through it, then cinch it down on the pipe so that the tubing is on the underside. Np matter how hard you try to stop it, water will wick along the bottom edge of the pipe on either side of the slot

 

[SantaMonica]

Love the DIY, reminds me of the early designs in 2008