DIY Algae scrubber

[Dindsy]

Hi, I am just about finished making my waterfall Algae scrubber and i was considering putting it in the same flow line as my media reactor - UV filter. The media reactor sits in the sump and the water goes through these and back into the sump before the tank return chamber.

But i am wondering if this is going to limit its ability with the water already having passed these two things?

Any advice?

 

[G Santana]

I say give it a try, I think it will work, my DIY ATS has the water go through a filter sock, uv then it gets skimmed and still it pulls a mat of algae a week

 

[Turbo's Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

A UV sterilizer needs a low flow rate so that you get a lot of contact time in order to be effective. Like very low.

In contrast, you want a flow rate across your algae scrubber screen that is at least 15-20 GPM for every inch of screen width that you are using. That typically results in a much higher overall flow rate than you want to push through a UV sterilizer.