Algae scrubbers

[may2024]

Does any one have any thoughts on algea scrubbers. I was thinking about building one. Its kind of like most things in this hobbie alot of people think its great others not so much. Just looking for constructive thought on the subject. Pros, Cons special considerations ect. :coffee:

 

[redneckgearhead]

I like mine. It is a natural way of removing nitrates /phosphates without removing coral food. Here at rs you won't find to many that get upset with your equipment decisions. Build one and use it. Great addition to any tank. Here is a thread that will help. http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/diy/71426-algae-scrubber-basics.html

 

[may2024]

That was kind of my thinking on it as well. Thanks for the link.

 

[LostintheDark]

It is a natural way of removing nitrates /phosphates[/URL]

I have a large fuge that keeps the nitrates at 0, but doesn't seem to do much for phosphates. Does your algae scrubber lower
your phosphates as well?

 

[redneckgearhead]

Yes. I read 0's across the board. Do a quick search for "hair algae" the OP usually comes seeking advice to rid themselves of this unruly plague and the normal response is "what are your trates/phosphate levels?" to which the OP states "I don't understand, my levels are all 0." That is because the trates and phosphates are locked up in the HA. HA is a very very good at using this "fertilizer." If you have phosphates and no nitrates it is because the HA can not consume one without the other. So if you have an algae scrubber with phosphates you may need to feed more, to increase the nitrates so that the HA can consume the remaining phosphates. Here is another link that could help, the OP of this post has researched this issue extensively for the past few years and knows his stuff but can be kind of abrasive so take it as you will. http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/general-reef-aquarium-discussion/77363-lowest-cost-easiest-way-eliminate-green-hair-bubble-turf-slime-algae.html

 

[BigAl07]

I just installed one on my work tank (12g NanoCube) and honestly for a few weeks I was bummed. I didn't think it was doing anything at all. I went out of town for a few days and come home and WOW! Talk about some serious algae growth (in the scrubber).

Here's a link to our sponsor Santa Monica and their new UAS
http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums...inate-green-hair-bubble-turf-slime-algae.html

and if you just want to see the growth on my UAS check out
http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums...r-bubble-turf-slime-algae-13.html#post1135970

 

[StirCrayzy]

For the time i had mine running it destroyed my HA . I removed it so i can build it into my next system, and can already see HA starting to come back.
For me a scrubber will always be a part of my SW setups. They are excellent.