DIY Algae Scrubber

[smiller5438]

I cant seem to get Cheato to grow. My Nitrates are creeping high and I need a sustainable way to export. Thought I'd give a go at building my own ATS. Why not start a thread and give/get some advice on the Build ! Today I picked up my Acrylic pieces at P&K Custom Acrylics in Malden, MA for $50 ! The plan is to build the bottom to fit across my 75 Gallon Sump and then build the light box on top. The Box is 10"x 4"x 10" with the base being 16.5" x 8", which will give me room to mount lights on each side of the Box. The front and back are obviously clear, while the sides, top and bottom are black. I already have all the plumbing I need from various past projects, so all that will be left is the lights. I plan on making the spray bar 3/4" with plastic mesh from Michaels and use 1" main drain with a 1/2" safety drain bulkhead. The supply will be 1/2" push connect RO tubing coming off my return manifold with a ball valve to control the flow. Should be a straight forward build. Any recommendations for design, lighting or things to ponder, please comment for all to see ! Here is the start of the project...

 

[smiller5438]

Update:
Almost in the home stretch! Built the Box and cut all the plumbing. As you can see, I have a 1” main drain and a 3/4” Safety Drain. All that’s left is mounting the Led and plumbing the unit to my return.

 

[smiller5438]

Update 1/25
Had issues with not enough flow on manifold. I Just got a utility pump hooked up. Anyone know how long until I should see some growth? Im happy with the build for first attempt. Cutting out the slot was a pain, since I don’t have a dremel. Flow issues might be because the slot is too wide. Thoughts?

 

[Slombardi]

I have never used a scrubber, but do you need to seed it with any algae first?

 

[smiller5438]

Good Question. My research says it’s not necessary but will definitely help speed up the process. I don’t have any Algae to seed it, so I was hoping to let it run and do its thing.

 

[rock-n-reef]

really nice work. thanks for documenting that here.
It usually takes two weeks to see the initial growth, and then ramp up the light duration. If you haven't already, I would rough up the screen with some coarse sanding paper to help with the screen break-in.

there is some good information on the slot pipe here (by Bud Carlson from Turbo Aquatics)

Resources | Algae Scrubbing

www.algaescrubbing.com

 

[smiller5438]

Thank you for the article!!! I’m gonna try cutting a new slot pipe this weekend.

I didn’t rough up the screen, but I’ll do that when I fix the slot!

Thanks for the Tip!

 

[smiller5438]

Update 1/31
Fixed the cut in the pipe. Bit the bullet and bought a dremel. Great decision! Also sanded the screen. While I was making a new screen a thought of leaving flanges on each side to hold it on instead of using zippy ties. Working great! The good news is that Algae was already starting to grow on the first screen, so I scrubbed it on the new one hoping to give it a boost. Thanks Rock N Reef for all the tips!

 

[rock-n-reef]

nice! as the algae grows it will get heavy and i'm afraid the mesh flanges would not hold on.

rather than zip ties, you can use a pvc that is a size larger than the slot pipe and make a 1/4 inch width piece of it. Then cut off a little bit so that it looks like 3/4 of a circle. You can then clamp it over the slot pipe. This will go into a small slit that you will make in the screen.

When it is time to clean, you can twist these small pvc clips such that the open space lines up against the slot. it is so easy to take the screen and put it back in. All you need to do is twist the two clips. Here is a picture I have of that from Bud's design.

 

[smiller5438]

Is this good growth for the first week?

 

[rock-n-reef]

it is. looks like an even first layer on the screen.

 

[smiller5438]

Thanks. First go at having an ATS, let alone DIY ATS. It’s rewarding to know it’s working. I appreciate all the tips and feedback!

 

[atelliot3]

this looks solid! will DEF be building one of these.
can you share which pump/flow rate and light/time cycle you ended up using for this??
thanks!

 

[smiller5438]

this looks solid! will DEF be building one of these.
can you share which pump/flow rate and light/time cycle you ended up using for this??
thanks!

It’s a cheap pump from Amazon. 400gph. I run 12 hrs ON/OFF opposite display. This is my second Harvest... Getting stronger each time.

 

[smiller5438]

VIVOSUN 400GPH Submersible... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L54RMJY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

[smiller5438]

It’s a cheap pump from Amazon. 400gph. I run 12 hrs ON/OFF opposite display. This is my second Harvest... Getting stronger each time.

Light is Cheap Philips grow Light from Home Depot.

Philips 15.5-Watt PAR38 LED Grow Light Bulb 555300 - The Home Depot

Help plants flourish indoors with Philips PAR38 LED Plant Lights. Ideal for growing a variety of plants, these bulbs use bright, full spectrum light with a high CRI to promote healthy growth with added

www.homedepot.com

 

[atelliot3]

Awesome thank you for the info, will update once I can get one built

 

[smiller5438]

Two Week Harvest! This thing is cooking Now!!!!!

 

[Patrick.S]

What is the noise level like? That’s been the main deterrent from me trying one.

 

[smiller5438]

What is the noise level like? That’s been the main deterrent from me trying one.

I heard nothing... when you put a bulk head in the bottom vs the side and then have your screen go to the bottom, the waterfall is “in the water” so it silenced the “drip”