Seesaw Algae Turf Scrubber

[Koolaid]

I am curious what the folded screen at the top is for? Otherwise should work, but you may have to adjust water rate or lights as it matures.

Improved on previous design with flow control, and no splashing. Thanks to everyone for responding I'm going to run with this for a while. I will update if this is successful.

 

[danielh]

I'll be making my ATS shortly. Good read.

 

[danielh]

See if you can reflect the light or add another light to the other side.

 

[zemuss]

Did you rough up the screen?

Also I would add a union to be able to clean the internal tubbing as algae might build up there too. Also I would add a gate valve so you can fine tune it regarding flow.

 

[danielh]

Gate valve = necessary.

 

[Turbo's Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

Having enough flow and not overly too much is what matters, you can have the flow in a range from 25ish to 40ish and be good (GPH/inch of screen width). Much below 25 and you can run into some issues, much over 40 and that's just too much at first, you can go there after the screen matures. I would say a gate valve is nice, but not necessary.

Did you rough up the screen?

I have the same question - it doesn't look very rough.

I took my Algae Scrubber Basics thread and peeled it over to a quickie website if you want to look it over. Better than digging for the current version http://algaescrubber.zohosites.com/

 

[Koolaid]

Brown Slime's appearing moving in the right direction. Screen's roughed up I used 60 grit sandpaper and palm sander. Thanks for all the input I will keep updating as I progress.

 

[Turbo's Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

You really need to rough it up with a saw blade so that it's prickly. Just sanding will usually result in any thick growth letting go rather easily.

Here's an older video, I don't do it quite this way anymore


Here is a time lapse of how I do it now, or at least how I did it before I started making the mortar screens


Now I do it in 3 steps: 1) use a wire brush crimp attachment for a drill and make several medium-low speed passes with the screen clamped down 2) saw blade rough up but much less time 3) mortar coating (and a curing & soaking step)

 

[Koolaid]

Thanks Floyd will give it a try tomorrow morning after work .

 

[Koolaid]

Wow only day 3 overnight growth

 

[Koolaid]

Did you rough up the screen?

Also I would add a union to be able to clean the internal tubbing as algae might build up there too. Also I would add a gate valve so you can fine tune it regarding flow.

Gate valve is there just not in pic

 

[Koolaid]

Day 6 growth so far

 

[azzad]

I just built one too im at day 8

 

[Koolaid]

I just built one too im at day 8

I like the use of acrylic looks amazing next to my poor man set up . What kind of light is that looks serious. My light is a simple clamping light shroud with led flood lamp. Seems to be doing the trick.

 

[azzad]

As long as it works thats all that matters. Mines a old glass fish tank that i drilled out and put dividers in lights are 2 led down light with flood lamps.. thay say red or purple light works better

 

[Koolaid]

2 weeks in now

 

[azzad]

Wow good growth

 

[Koolaid]

Wow good growth

Thanks wasn't expecting this attempt to be successful. I'm happy with it and my nitrates aren't fluctuating around like before.

 

[Koolaid]

How much is too much, and when should I scrap the surface off?

 

[Irsug1]

For now imo just give it a rinse and clean the slimy stuff off so the gha can attach to those areas.