Turf Scruber

[ILikeFish]

I was reading the Turf scrubber thread in the DIY forum. It looks like some people have had great success with it and claim it can even replace a skimmer! Can any one see any draw backs of adding this to a system?

The idea is to create an environment were the alge can grow very very well by providing it lots of flow and lots light, (more than just having some in your sump).

Has any one had any practical or theoretical experience with using an alge scrubber? If this is such a great idea why is it not the standard?


This link was original posted by NYreefNoob:

http://www.myfishtank.net/forum/salt...mover-diy.html

 

[ari5736]

I use a turf scrubber, along with a skimmer, remote dsb and regular algae filter.

 

[mray]

The only hard part is designing one where you are able to attach and detach easily because they need to be scraped often.

 

[ILikeFish]

How big and often to you need to clean the scrubber?

What is a "dsb"?

 

[Keith P]

DSB= Deep sand bed.

I read you need to run carbon to remove the green/yollow color it leaves behind..

 

[ILikeFish]

I thought that could be a problem too. Hoever the thread I read said there was not bad coloration.

I would think the coloration would be Alger suspended in the water. I would think that would not be the a problem as the algae scrubber algae is attached.

But not sure? Anyone?

 

[cowfish]

Can and does work if properly executed, but will not replace a skimmer completely. However, from what I've read the "scrubbers" need periods where they are exposed directly to air. A constant water flow will actually hamper the ATS's effectiveness. Maybe use a pump/powerhead on a timer/wavemaker? Also... it's one more thing to clean If reducing nitrates is what your after then you'd probably be better off using a RDSB (remote deep sand bed). No maintenance required.

 

[Keith P]

Is there a certain size tank this is best for? I.E. not for nanos or tanks under XXX size

 

[cowfish]

Based on what I've read it can be scaled for any size system. The dimensions of the screen used depends on the volume of the tank.

 

[Keith P]

I would consider it if I could eliminate the skimmer. No room for both

 

[mandown123]

does nay1 have pics of their scrubber? My friend and I were thinking of trying this

 

[ILikeFish]

Check these out.