algae scrubber

Sweet algae turf scrubber dude! Although ATS"s are sort of early 1990's technology, there have been some very advanced collegiate studies done on recirculating systems employing ATS's vs protien skimmers and they have found that ATS's systems are more biologically diverse systems with many more levels of trophic complexity. Although their ability to function as an organic waste removal device is related directly to the amount are they employ. It's definately a "more biology, less technology," type of approach to nutrient export, but should work realtively well depending on the application.

The authors of the book Dynamic Aquaria, present many case studies and give detailed overview of trophic webs in many different types of oceanic ecosystems. It's a great read for junior/senior level biologists/ecologists/environmental scientists.

Tell us more about how exactly this system is going to function? Do you have any diagrams or plans your working off of? Where did you get the idea, and what's the application?

 

Cool, how big is the tank Franks? I would suggest sliding it over so that you have good access to the scrubber for maintenance, you'll want to scrape it periodically. Unfortunately even an algae turf scrubber can't ensure that you won't have nusance algae in the main tank, although it can't hurt. Bryopsis, cyano, and many other algaes actually have a lot more to do with what's going on with the succession of microbial populations in the microcosoms of communities living within single rock pores.

Are you going to use nylon window screening for the turf or what? Where did you first get the idea, have you used a turf scrubber before?

 

I am thinking of doing one of these. I have mixed results getting chaeto to grow, but I have nice crops of the 'turfy' algae growing on the baffles in my sump. Time to put that algae to good use.

 

I have one question on the size of the screen.  It looks as if you have a pretty decent size system and for an algae scrubber which is lit on both sides they suggest one square inch of screen per gallon of water.  If it doesn't fall into this category you may not get the results you are wanting.  Also, what type of bulbs do you plan on running? 
We went with this concept also and finally got ours up and running last weekend.  We are seeing stuff on the screen but no algae yet.  On the screen material, we used rug canvas but we don't think it is rigid enough and are probably going to need to find something else.  On the nylon screen, if you use this, be careful with what you get because a lot of them are treated with chemicals to prevent mold and mildew growth.

 

Here is some additional info on algae scrubbers.  There first link is great for some really quick answers about lighting and amount of flow needed. 
The second is a thread all about scrubbers, and peoples versions, what works and what doesn't.  It is long but contains alot of great info.



http://www.algaescrubber.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=68 




http://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic89570-4-86.aspx



I think is lighting is going to be too strong.  We went with a 3000K .

 

Dude that looks great!!!! What is the screen material you're using?

 

Tank deviders are pretty smooth to get the best results roughen up the plastic screen so your algae gets a better hold. I am in the process of building a new sump for my 125 and I am making a new scrubber as well. I am going to use that plastic canvas from the craft store. hope this helps

 

nice work on this build. looking forward to seeing it in action.