Santa Monica RAIN2 Algae Scrubber Follow Along

[Reeftang]

So after all the research and debating i ended up going with the Santa Monica RAIN2, and i haveto say i couldn't be happier so far.
I installed it on my 50gal cube, its running off its own 300GPH pump, the design of this scrubber is just genius it is compact and waterproof and safe, that means if fits right into the sump and that was perfect for me since i do have limited space, i can not imagine going with any of the other bulky ones as it wouldn't fit anywhere. And its also super silent.

I tested my water here is the results.

P04: 0.12
N03: 25


HERE ARE SOME PICS AND VIDEOS

 

[Reeftang]

How do i upload a video?

 

[Reeftang]

Check out this video of it running, do i need more flow i have the output set pretty low.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1-xc9iSKgXjg1p7fTKrrWlzfbnqitLzwF

 

[Water Dog]

Nice, be sure to update us with regular screen growth progression shots.

 

[Reeftang]

DAY 2, I think i see something starting to happen at the corners.

Also for got to mention, i do have a GHA issue in my tank right now, so im doing a blackout at the same time hoping to kill off the GHA in the DT and hopefully starting to grow in the scrubber. Im currently running 2 light 24 hours.

 

[Ray668]

Following

 

[Reeftang]

DAY 5. I was told by Santa Monica not to run the light 24 hours, so now im running them only 18 on and 6 off. Im not sure whats growing on the screen it doent look like a green color but lets wait and see i guess.

I will test my water soon and update the water parameters.

 

[Reeftang]

DAY 6: Has increased a bit.

 

[ca1ore]

You’ll see all sorts of unmentionables growing on the screen initially, many of which look like snot. Then the algae’s will gradually take hold. Cannot recall how long my screen took, few weeks maybe.

 

[Reeftang]

You’ll see all sorts of unmentionables growing on the screen initially, many of which look like snot. Then the algae’s will gradually take hold. Cannot recall how long my screen took, few weeks maybe.

Did you run this exact scrubber?

 

[ca1ore]

No, I have a DIY unit. They all work on the same principles though.

 

[Reeftang]

No, I have a DIY unit. They all work on the same principles though.

OK, Did you run the light 24 in the beginning? Because i was told to only run 18/6.

 

[ca1ore]

No, I have always run it counter to the main tank lights, 16 on and 8 off. 18/6 sounds fine.

 

[Reeftang]

No, I have always run it counter to the main tank lights, 16 on and 8 off. 18/6 sounds fine.

cool, and how is the scrubber working out for you? Do you have any recent harvest pics?

 

[ca1ore]

I have been running it for 6 years and it’s been terrific. Am actually in the prices of building a larger one (check out my thread on the monster tank forum, Simon’s 450). Never bothered to take a picture of the laden screen, I can next time I scrape it. I get hair algae on it mostly, rather than ulva.

 

[Reeftang]

I have been running it for 6 years and it’s been terrific. Am actually in the prices of building a larger one (check out my thread on the monster tank forum, Simon’s 450). Never bothered to take a picture of the laden screen, I can next time I scrape it. I get hair algae on it mostly, rather than ulva.

Ill check out your thread, did you implement it from the start of your tank or to combat an algae issue?

 

[ca1ore]

I’ve been running variations of the ATS since around 1992 LOL. Always been an essential element of my nutrient export strategy. So, not to combat nuisance algae .... to prevent it! Modern waterfall scrubbers are the best design. Not sure who came up with it .... there’s a terrific thread on RC from 2011 that cites SantaMonica as the source of waterfall scrubbers. The original concepts of the ATS is from Dr. William Adey.

 

[Reeftang]

I’ve been running variations of the ATS since around 1992 LOL. Always been an essential element of my nutrient export strategy. So, not to combat nuisance algae .... to prevent it! Modern waterfall scrubbers are the best design. Not sure who came up with it .... there’s a terrific thread on RC from 2011 that cites SantaMonica as the source of waterfall scrubbers. The original concepts of the ATS is from Dr. William Adey.

cool thanks!

 

[Reeftang]

DAY 9: Not sure whats going on here. Need some help. Im getting some gray and back and rust color at the corners.
I did add some activated carbon to the tank think that has anything to do with it?

 

[Water Dog]

Let it do it’s thing. You’re probably gonna get some slime growth through the screen maturation process... and this looks like it.