Santa Monica Drop 1.2 or Drop 1.4

Nami · Mar 3, 2020

I'm interested in how well these algae scrubbers work because their small size, they will fit perfect into the sump.

My sump is quite small and will not fit bigger scrubbers or macro algae.

Just wondering if anyone is using these and what do you think of their effectiveness?

FYI, my tank size is 50 gallons and I have a tunze 9410 skimmer running as well.

Thanks!

Reefing Madness · Mar 4, 2020

Stoney · Mar 4, 2020

I had a drop 1.4 on a 40g for a few months. It didn't do much, never had to clean it because it barely grew algae. I was using a pretty big air pump too (danner ap8). Its pretty loud when you run it with the top underwater because the tiny outlet holes build up pressure and shoot air bubbles at the water surface. I believe the instructions said you can leave the top of the unit above the water surface for quieter operation, but then theres no exit hole for the water and you'd just be recirculating inside the scrubber. The inlet holes are also surprisingly small and I'm skeptical about how much water the air bubbles actually pull into the unit. I personally think that's the main problem with the design. I bet this thing would grow algae pretty well with a venturi pump forcing water and a larger volume of air through the scrubber. Wouldnt be too difficult if you're decent at DIY.

Nami · Mar 4, 2020

Thanks for the detailed response, Stoney, thats definitely not something that one can tell just from pictures.

From your experience, seems like there is really lack of water flow through the unit, making it not very effective at its function. I will pass on this until there is a better design comes out.

Stoney · Mar 4, 2020

No problem, curious to see if others had a similar experience.

Tomas S · Jan 3, 2021

I had Drop 1.2 in my water box 20, it worked great, very good option to export nutrients

Robman9 · Jan 4, 2021

Stoney said:
I had a drop 1.4 on a 40g for a few months. It didn't do much, never had to clean it because it barely grew algae. I was using a pretty big air pump too (danner ap8). Its pretty loud when you run it with the top underwater because the tiny outlet holes build up pressure and shoot air bubbles at the water surface. I believe the instructions said you can leave the top of the unit above the water surface for quieter operation, but then theres no exit hole for the water and you'd just be recirculating inside the scrubber. The inlet holes are also surprisingly small and I'm skeptical about how much water the air bubbles actually pull into the unit. I personally think that's the main problem with the design. I bet this thing would grow algae pretty well with a venturi pump forcing water and a larger volume of air through the scrubber. Wouldnt be too difficult if you're decent at DIY.

Do you still the the Drop? Interested is selling on?