DIY Algae Scrubber Help

[ChrisQ0904]

I have been contemplating on buying an algae scrubber for a while now but decided to make one instead. I'm using it in a 80g total volume system and have low phosphate and nitrates already due to skimming and gfo.

Here's the (potential) problem. I built the housing for the scrubber and have an overall dimension of 6.5 wide x 12 tall x 4 deep. All seems good there so I ordered my lights (IP66 10W) and I did not notice how small these were going to be. They are 4 3/8 tall and 3 1/4 wide. This light clearly doesn't cover the physical area. Do I need to scrap the light and buy new ones or will this work?

 

[Mark2480]

If it fits you could always add another one right above that one that you already have.

 

[ChrisQ0904]

If it fits you could always add another one right above that one that you already have.

Then a total of 4 correct? Would I be better just getting a 20w that's bigger or a different brand that's bigger dimensions?

 

[Mark2480]

Then a total of 4 correct? Would I be better just getting a 20w that's bigger or a different brand that's bigger dimensions?

You could get a bigger one if you find the right size you need. I just figured since you have those already you could add on to them.

 

[Family Tank]

I have no experience, let's get that right out there.
Even if you center that light its not enough?

 

[ChrisQ0904]

I have no experience, let's get that right out there.
Even if you center that light its not enough?

Honestly, I'm not sure either. But I did end up returning those lights and purchased a 20w version that is bigger in dimensions.

 

[Catchemall]

Just to save you some money and trouble I'd go with different lights. Correct spectrum and everything but the 20watt ones I bought just like that only lasted maybe 3-4 months and stopped working. all but one string of lights, so to my eyes it appeared that they were working right. But in reality I was feeding heavy because my corals were loving it but the scrubber wasn't working with all the lights so therefore caused a huge algae bloom. Don't get me wrong I still believe in algae scrubbers and will more than likely go back to using one. But this time I won't get stingy with the lights

 

[Mark2480]

Just keep an eye on how the algae grows, being that the light is so close attached to the scrubber the higher watt light may be to strong. I hand a 24 watt par 38 style bulb on my scrubber and once the algae would start growling it would turn white. I switched down to a 12 watt bulb and now it grows thick and a deep green.

 

[Mark2480]

Oh and just an idea, you may want to darken the top part about an inch lower then where the screen meets the pvc pipe. You can add a strip of dark stick on window tint right across the outside plexiglass. Once the algae starts to grow that will help to keep the algae from growing where the water drops down. If it grows to much there it will block the water flow and start to spray around. Again just a thought but I have done this and it helps.

 

[ChrisQ0904]

Oh and just an idea, you may want to darken the top part about an inch lower then where the screen meets the pvc pipe. You can add a strip of dark stick on window tint right across the outside plexiglass. Once the algae starts to grow that will help to keep the algae from growing where the water drops down. If it grows to much there it will block the water flow and start to spray around. Again just a thought but I have done this and it helps.

That is currently being delivered. I was looking for white tint locally but could not find it. Instead I ordered solid white contact paper which will hopefully get the job done.

 

[ChrisQ0904]

@Mark2480 I got the new lights in and there is about a 4 3/4" gap between the top of the light and top of the scrubber. Should I block off the whole gap or smaller?

 

[Mark2480]

I would not do the whole gap, this way at a quick glance you can see the algae growth instead of looking down from the top. By the way that scrubber came out really nice.

 

[ChrisQ0904]

I would not do the whole gap, this way at a quick glance you can see the algae growth instead of looking down from the top. By the way that scrubber came out really nice.

I ended up leaving a little more than an inch of a gap. Thank you for the compliment, this was my first time doing something like this. Still need to water test and buy a maxi jet pump

 

[ChrisQ0904]

Ok, I could use a little more help. My only drain is on the side of the scrubber and it keeps creating a loud siphon like a durso standpipe. I have tried numerous plumbing setups to try and quiet it down but have had not luck at all. Anyone care to chime in?

 

[Family Tank]

You need to put a valve in your drain line. You need to slow your flow.

 

[ChrisQ0904]

Just wanted to see if this is moving in the right direction? Still have quite a bit of algae in the tank and not great growth in the scrubber. I'm running lights 18hrs a day and the picture below is my weekly growth. Should I consider running 6000k LEDs instead of the red/blue?

 

[SantaMonica]

Burn a bit in the middle. You can try using only one light until hard attached growth fills in, then turn the other light back on.

 

[ChrisQ0904]

Burn a bit in the middle. You can try using only one light until hard attached growth fills in, then turn the other light back on.

I will give that a shot, thank You! Should I still run 18hrs or should I adjust it?

 

[ChrisQ0904]

Maybe, I should try 10w? I am currently running two 20w fixtures.

 

[SantaMonica]

One light at 18 hours should be good.