Quick and Dirty Algae Turf Scrubber

[BoomCorals]

DIY algae turf scrubber built today. The piping that ran from the pump up to the waterfall was already done by the previous tank's owner (came with the whole 180g setup). It is 1.5" with lots of holes drilled into it and he used a piece of black flex drain that he cut a long slit in so it slides over the cross stitch sheet. The water comes out the holes, into the piping and through the slit, flowing down both sides of the sheet. I zip tied the sheet to the piping. I then built a PVC frame that holds not only the lights but also supports the ATS pipe. The lights are Mars grow light chinese boxes. I am using a jebao DCT 8000 return pump on the lowest setting. It works great!! I just have to run to the hardware store for some acrylic sheets I can use to rest on the sides of the tank and protect the lights from the water splashing.

The entire system is designed so that I can simply shut off the pump, remove the piping and sheet at the union joint, and take it to the utility sink to scrape off the algae!

Initial mock up and test

Fully installed!

Grow lights on

 

[FlyinBryan]

Thanks for sharing and great pics! I am looking at building an Algae scrubber for 150. Is there any reason I cannot run this off of the outlet so it just gravity fed? I would not have a bypass line.
Sorry to change subjects on you here but not sure where to put a new thread for this. Thanks!

 

[BoomCorals]

Quick update, the scrubber has fantastic looking green algae already. Tearing pieces off and throwing into the DT my tangs go nuts for a tasty treat!

 

[BoomCorals]

Thanks for sharing and great pics! I am looking at building an Algae scrubber for 150. Is there any reason I cannot run this off of the outlet so it just gravity fed? I would not have a bypass line.
Sorry to change subjects on you here but not sure where to put a new thread for this. Thanks!

Gravity feed will probably not provide enough flow. Mine is using it's own separate pump though and is not coming off of the main return. Makes maintenance easier and I don't have to shut down or mess with the main return.