Introducing the new Turbo Algae Scrubber! (Rev 4)

Turbo's Aquatics · Jul 2, 2016

Yeah if you can find the all-purpose cement (oatey red can, lists ABS and PVC) that is really best vs the standard PVC cement (which doesn't also list ABS)

TaylorPilot · Jul 3, 2016

Well I got it all installed tonight. My sump is really tight. It is a 20L with a pretty large return pump, a skimmer, and a dual sock holder.

Here is the area it had to fit in.

I cut this out on the laser cutter, then laminated two 1/4" sheets together to make it more rigid. It is nice and tight.

Here it is with the pipes cut to length. They sit about an inch under water.

Here it is in place. There is about 1/2" clearance from the skimmer cup, but I tried and can remove the cup for cleaning fairly easily. If I want to clean the entire body, I would have to remove the scrubber as well. But I only do that every quarter or so, so it isn't a big deal.

I am going to let the cement dry overnight, so I know it is completely cured, then I get to finally fire this bad boy up. I will say that my stand is completely full now....

TaylorPilot · Jul 4, 2016

I also got some rubber feet to stick to the bottom of the scrubber if there is any vibration noise coming up the pipe. I'll know tomorrow if I need to put them on the bottom of the scrubber.

TaylorPilot · Jul 5, 2016

I got it fired up last night, and it is allot quieter than I thought it would be. I am using a Rio pump along with soft silicone tubing to attach everything. There is zero vibration in the unit, so I didn't even put the feet on it. With the lid on, I can't hear it from a few feet away even with the door open.. The micro bubbles aren't bad at all, and I probably won't even run the filter sock. Overall I am very impressed with the initial setup and noise levels. Hopefully in a week or so I'll have some growth to report back on! I am running it for 12 hours on a reverse daylight timer with the intensity at about 50%.

Turbo's Aquatics · Jul 5, 2016

Thanks for the update @TaylorPilot!

fab · Jul 9, 2016

Have you built and tested L8 and L16 yet?

Have you nailed down your acrylic mount yet?

Did you have a good 4th of July with your family? I hope so.

Turbo's Aquatics · Jul 9, 2016

I didn't get all the parts last week, but most of them. Needed to have some small modifications made. Been on vaca with family this past week, of course, additional parts show up while I'm gone...seems to be a pattern :mad:

ThaBeast · Jul 9, 2016

Working on my sump layout, how much clearance do I need to remove the screen for cleaning?

EDIT: never mind I remember now, it has a slide out growth chamber....

TaylorPilot · Jul 9, 2016

Installed mine late in the evening on July 4th, so 5 days later I inspected it and am seeing growth. A few sprigs, but mostly just green tint to the whole screen. I think it is going to take of quickly now!

Turbo's Aquatics · Jul 9, 2016

TaylorPilot said:
Installed mine late in the evening on July 4th, so 5 days later I inspected it and am seeing growth. A few sprigs, but mostly just green tint to the whole screen. I think it is going to take of quickly now!

Yes, that is a good start! I would leave everything like it is for a few more days, until you have a bit more coverage, then extend the hours if you want.

HndMafia said:
Working on my sump layout, how much clearance do I need to remove the screen for cleaning?

EDIT: never mind I remember now, it has a slide out growth chamber....

1.5" above the top is all you need to get the growth chamber disengaged from the base

Turbo's Aquatics · Jul 13, 2016

Brewing up a new idea here...

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/a...r-system-alternative-to-the-slot-pipe.257074/

SteadyC · Jul 17, 2016

After 3 weeks.

Turbo's Aquatics · Jul 17, 2016

What are your light intensity and photoperiod at?

SteadyC · Jul 17, 2016

Floyd R Turbo said:
What are your light intensity and photoperiod at?

Still on 50% (6 o'clock), was at 12 hours, just increased to 14 hours today

Turbo's Aquatics · Jul 17, 2016

I would go longer on the hours, like 18-20 even. But what is your tank condition? As in bioload, nutrients, etc?

SteadyC · Jul 17, 2016

Floyd R Turbo said:
I would go longer on the hours, like 18-20 even. But what is your tank condition? As in bioload, nutrients, etc?

Big bio load, 2 blue throat triggers, sail fin tang, yellow tang, blue hippo tang, coral beauty angel, cleaner wrasse, Pygmy angel, chromis, clownfish, 110 gallon tank. Phosphate is kept around .02 with GFO, nitrates between 4 and 6. I was pretty happy with the growth, are you saying I should have more?

Turbo's Aquatics · Jul 17, 2016

It's a good start, but with that bioload I think you can drive it harder. It looks a bit dark, but the GHA is starting to show up pretty well so that means you can push it. Go to 4 o'clock along with more hours

fab · Jul 17, 2016

@Floyd R Turbo,
What do you have available for instruction on the use of the ATS? ...including tips on how and when to adjust flow rates and light/intensity schedules?
...any other items to tinker with?