BL1
.............
I've got a couple ideas for larger scrubbers unfortunately I don't have the ability or means to make them.
Mega Powerful Nitrate and Phosphate Remover - DIY!
- Thread starter SantaMonica
- Start date
SantaMonica
Reefing newb
Then post some drawings, and maybe someone else will...
SantaMonica
Reefing newb
Several updates:
1. Does anyone know of a diver, or can you post on a site with divers, who can take some pics and videos of reef water? What is needed is this: The diver takes a camera and a piece of black cloth/plastic/etc to a reef location; he holds the black sheet about 24 inches from the camera, and takes hi-res pics and video of the plankton floating between the camera and the sheet. Hi-res would be important because of the small particle sizes. Being near corals would be important because that's where the corals feed. And doing it at night would be a great plus, since that's when more plankton is out. Daytime will suffice, however. The purpose of this is to show that reefs really are packed with food particles, and are not "polished" the way reefers "think" they are.
2. Replace bulbs every 3 months, even when they look fine.
3. Clean pump in vinegar every 6 months, even if you think it runs fine.
4. "Turf" is not the goal; Green hair is the goal. It filters the best, because it lets light get to the roots, and it lets water flow throughout the strands. If you start getting real turf, remove it with a hacksaw blade:
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9fMdJRmYGM]YouTube - Santa Monica 25 cleaning[/ame]
5. Since the current scrubber recommendations are different from the original recommendations at the start of this thread, here is a new scrubber introduction which could replace post number one: http://www.radio-media.com/fish/AlgaeScrubbers.doc
6. The two most important quotes I've found so far:
"Where deep lagoons are formed, coral growth, especially of Acropora, can be prolific"
"Contrary to popular belief, species diversity is not at its highest on the scenically attractive reefs found in clear oceanic water. It reaches a peak for any given region on fringing reefs protected from strong wave action, where the water is slightly turbid."
-- Corals of the World, Vol 1 page 27
Why? Because it shows that there is more coral growth in lagoon areas than on reefs. How is this? Since lagoons have more algae, they have less nutrients, and more organics (food), than reef fronts (data easily found in reference studies). And that's what corals, especialy SPS, need to grow. Reef fronts (where mostly Acro's grow) actually have higher nutrients and lower organics (food) than lagoons. Why then are there mostly Acro's on reef fronts? Because Acro's don't break under wave action like other corals, and therefore Acro's have less competition (also taken from Corals of the World, Vol 1 page 27).
7. Do you like to research reefs and corals and nutrients etc? Start here:
ReefBase :: Main Publications
1. Does anyone know of a diver, or can you post on a site with divers, who can take some pics and videos of reef water? What is needed is this: The diver takes a camera and a piece of black cloth/plastic/etc to a reef location; he holds the black sheet about 24 inches from the camera, and takes hi-res pics and video of the plankton floating between the camera and the sheet. Hi-res would be important because of the small particle sizes. Being near corals would be important because that's where the corals feed. And doing it at night would be a great plus, since that's when more plankton is out. Daytime will suffice, however. The purpose of this is to show that reefs really are packed with food particles, and are not "polished" the way reefers "think" they are.
2. Replace bulbs every 3 months, even when they look fine.
3. Clean pump in vinegar every 6 months, even if you think it runs fine.
4. "Turf" is not the goal; Green hair is the goal. It filters the best, because it lets light get to the roots, and it lets water flow throughout the strands. If you start getting real turf, remove it with a hacksaw blade:
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9fMdJRmYGM]YouTube - Santa Monica 25 cleaning[/ame]
5. Since the current scrubber recommendations are different from the original recommendations at the start of this thread, here is a new scrubber introduction which could replace post number one: http://www.radio-media.com/fish/AlgaeScrubbers.doc
6. The two most important quotes I've found so far:
"Where deep lagoons are formed, coral growth, especially of Acropora, can be prolific"
"Contrary to popular belief, species diversity is not at its highest on the scenically attractive reefs found in clear oceanic water. It reaches a peak for any given region on fringing reefs protected from strong wave action, where the water is slightly turbid."
-- Corals of the World, Vol 1 page 27
Why? Because it shows that there is more coral growth in lagoon areas than on reefs. How is this? Since lagoons have more algae, they have less nutrients, and more organics (food), than reef fronts (data easily found in reference studies). And that's what corals, especialy SPS, need to grow. Reef fronts (where mostly Acro's grow) actually have higher nutrients and lower organics (food) than lagoons. Why then are there mostly Acro's on reef fronts? Because Acro's don't break under wave action like other corals, and therefore Acro's have less competition (also taken from Corals of the World, Vol 1 page 27).
7. Do you like to research reefs and corals and nutrients etc? Start here:
ReefBase :: Main Publications
Justin33
Reefing newb
Ok, I'm sold!
I am getting ready to set up my first saltwater tank(55g), and have been researching every aspect of it for about a month now before I even start (my wife thinks I'm obsessed.....OK) I don't want to make any critical mistakes that can easily be avoided with simple research. I am definitely building an ATS under my display tank, but I have one question I haven't found an answer to. I would like to have the overflow from the tank go straight to the scrubber, then cascade to a small refugium (sand,rubble,mangrove), then a bubble trap, then back to the tank. I have drawn up how to fit it all under my DT in one 20g tank, and plan on having no other filters except LR in display. Does anyone see any problems with this? Could I do anything better?
I am getting ready to set up my first saltwater tank(55g), and have been researching every aspect of it for about a month now before I even start (my wife thinks I'm obsessed.....OK) I don't want to make any critical mistakes that can easily be avoided with simple research. I am definitely building an ATS under my display tank, but I have one question I haven't found an answer to. I would like to have the overflow from the tank go straight to the scrubber, then cascade to a small refugium (sand,rubble,mangrove), then a bubble trap, then back to the tank. I have drawn up how to fit it all under my DT in one 20g tank, and plan on having no other filters except LR in display. Does anyone see any problems with this? Could I do anything better?
BL1
.............
Sounds like a plan, I would not do the sand and mangroves though. IMO rock rubble is enough in you refugium for pods. And you won't need mangroves since your using the scrubber as your main nutrient export. Also they are a very poor method of export as they are slow growers and require lots of care.
SantaMonica
Reefing newb
Mangroves may not survive anyways.
Justin33
Reefing newb
So just rubble it is. I will be starting the build in the next couple of weeks and I will be sure to keep a photo log for you guys.
This site has been the best thing I have found for intel yet. A lot of the reading material I am finding is very outdated and none have mentioned an ATS.
Thank you.
This site has been the best thing I have found for intel yet. A lot of the reading material I am finding is very outdated and none have mentioned an ATS.
Thank you.
Im building a 90 gal tank with a 55 gal sump, im going to use a scrubber and a skimmer im pretty sure. SM i would really appreciate some help through this project if your willing and have some time! IM really excited about the scrubber because for once i feel like i kinda understand what im working on. Im doing a Build thread if you would like to just in and i will be sure to post pics and stuff. Also i will do anything i can to help you out with your research.
SantaMonica
Reefing newb
Yes do post it here.
Greasy Joe Bick
Reefing newb
Hello Everyone. I'm new to the saltwater scene. About 3 weeks ago, I bought an old 55 gallon tank from a friend. I have spent alot of time reading various websites and getting this tank ready for today. Last week, I made my decision on my setup and am happy to say I finally have my tank on it's first cycle :) Here's my scrubber setup:
I'll post results when i get further down the road. It's been flowing for only 19 hours now. I got though this setup fairly easily. To all the new keepers out there, like me. Don't forget the check valve on your sumps return! You'll get water all over everything, lol :mrgreen:
I'll post results when i get further down the road. It's been flowing for only 19 hours now. I got though this setup fairly easily. To all the new keepers out there, like me. Don't forget the check valve on your sumps return! You'll get water all over everything, lol :mrgreen:
Justin33
Reefing newb
Love the reflectors. That is almost exactly what I was trying to describe earlier. How big is the sump tank?
Greasy Joe Bick
Reefing newb
It's a 5.5 Gallon aquarium from Aqueon. 12 bucks. 16"L x 8"W x 10"H
Justin33
Reefing newb
I have an old 20 tall I am using as the sump and now have more confidence of being on the right track. Thanks for the pics.
Ace5high
Reefing newb
Sorry if this is off topic but I was talking to a guy today in one of our LPS's who claims to be the #1 marine biologist/marine specialist in the whole state.
Among some of his unusual concepts for his reef setups like using exclusively VHO's with NO metal Halides for all his reef setups, and I must admit Ive never seem such large unusual corals thriving under VHO's only, some were 20+ years old... but that aside he was telling me that he has used Scrubbers over 20 years ago for some of his museum and public displays of all sizes, some that exceeded 38,000 gal's. But will never use them again because they just dont work well over time. I wish I could tell you exactly why, but I would have needed 3 dictionaries and a thesaurus just to translate his ramblings. Something about not being able to control the specific strain of algae and that eventually there was no way to prevent its spread through the whole system...
Anyway, it just seems like every LPS I talk to, and even the supposed "Top world experts" all seem to think scrubbers are not a good idea. Im just not sure why im getting this response :dunno:
Among some of his unusual concepts for his reef setups like using exclusively VHO's with NO metal Halides for all his reef setups, and I must admit Ive never seem such large unusual corals thriving under VHO's only, some were 20+ years old... but that aside he was telling me that he has used Scrubbers over 20 years ago for some of his museum and public displays of all sizes, some that exceeded 38,000 gal's. But will never use them again because they just dont work well over time. I wish I could tell you exactly why, but I would have needed 3 dictionaries and a thesaurus just to translate his ramblings. Something about not being able to control the specific strain of algae and that eventually there was no way to prevent its spread through the whole system...
Anyway, it just seems like every LPS I talk to, and even the supposed "Top world experts" all seem to think scrubbers are not a good idea. Im just not sure why im getting this response :dunno:
BL1
.............
Read these articles they may help to explain why most LFS don't like them:
Algae Scrubbers • View topic - Great Barrier Reef Aquarium
Algae Scrubbers • View topic - The trick of skimmer popularity
SantaMonica
Reefing newb
Looks great. Reflectors, rocks/gravel for pods, and the under-over-under done properly (instead of over-under-over)
BL1
.............
Hey SM, I'm getting some good growth now but, It's very patchy. Is this a problem with flow possibly or maybe lighting?
SantaMonica
Reefing newb
You flow is cut off.
Ace5high
Reefing newb
Hi, Ive been following your scrubber post for a while and built my own for my most recent 55gal tank. Ive made several posts, taken many peoples suggestions and im having problems, I just cant seem to get it right.
Ive already been through several designs and I am just not getting the results others seem to have. You can find some pics if you look at my scrubber threads.
Most recently I switched from a horizontal to vertical layout as I wasnt getting much if any real growth. Im using 3 piece thick screen and its very roughed up. its about 10" wide 18" long and I have about 310 GPH flow over it. I thought I was under powered on light so I added 1 - 65 watt compact fluorescent at 6500k on one side, and just in case its a spectrum problem Im also using 1 - 28 watt CFL 2700k on the other side.
Since the upgrade to vertical and the extra lighting im still only seeing minimal growth after 4 days, almost nothing. Just slightly brown growth on the screen. However, all my green growth is in my tank, Im having to clean my tank daily as it builds up so quick in the tank... I just dont get it... Ive tried everything. I dont know what else to do to make it work.
In the pictures below you can see the two different lights Ive been trying out. In one or two of the pics it looks like a bit of growth but dont be fooled, its merely a lighting trick :grumble:
Ive already been through several designs and I am just not getting the results others seem to have. You can find some pics if you look at my scrubber threads.
Most recently I switched from a horizontal to vertical layout as I wasnt getting much if any real growth. Im using 3 piece thick screen and its very roughed up. its about 10" wide 18" long and I have about 310 GPH flow over it. I thought I was under powered on light so I added 1 - 65 watt compact fluorescent at 6500k on one side, and just in case its a spectrum problem Im also using 1 - 28 watt CFL 2700k on the other side.
Since the upgrade to vertical and the extra lighting im still only seeing minimal growth after 4 days, almost nothing. Just slightly brown growth on the screen. However, all my green growth is in my tank, Im having to clean my tank daily as it builds up so quick in the tank... I just dont get it... Ive tried everything. I dont know what else to do to make it work.
In the pictures below you can see the two different lights Ive been trying out. In one or two of the pics it looks like a bit of growth but dont be fooled, its merely a lighting trick :grumble:
Grassman
Reefing newb
Here's my newly up and running scrubber.
