Alage Scrubber

[Tom LoFaro]

I've seen some threads on here about them, but none with impressive results. Is this really what it's cracked up to be? I'm setting up a 40g reef tank very soon and I was planning on using an algae scrubber and have it drain into a 10 or 20g sump with a small skimmer, if any. There has been reported success of running fully stocked reefs with no other filtration or skimmers, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. I'm going to start my tank with crushed coral and live rock. After I get algae growth on the scrubber I'll probably add a chromis or two. After that I'll worry about corals and such. It's main use is getting rid of algae, nitrAtes, and phosphates. So anyway, my real question is, has anyone here tried them with success? If so, would you recommend any other filtration?

If you don't know what an algae scrubber is, look here. http://www.algaescrubber.net/

 

[nonstophoops]

I've seen some threads on here about them, but none with impressive results. Is this really what it's cracked up to be? I'm setting up a 40g reef tank very soon and I was planning on using an algae scrubber and have it drain into a 10 or 20g sump with a small skimmer, if any. There has been reported success of running fully stocked reefs with no other filtration or skimmers, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. I'm going to start my tank with crushed coral and live rock. After I get algae growth on the scrubber I'll probably add a chromis or two. After that I'll worry about corals and such. It's main use is getting rid of algae, nitrAtes, and phosphates. So anyway, my real question is, has anyone here tried them with success? If so, would you recommend any other filtration?

If you don't know what an algae scrubber is, look here. http://www.algaescrubber.net/

I have read a lot about them as well. They can help a system a lot. I just wouldn't recommend it being the only thing you run. A skimmer would be very beneficial as well IMO.

I would get sand instead of crushed coral. Crushed coral doesn't buffer as well as sand and is more prone to collecting wastes.

 

[Tom LoFaro]

I like the look of crushed coral better than sand, even if it means a little extra work sifting the substrate every now and then. I will also be adding a lot of inverts, inverts are probably my main reasoning for setting up saltwater. Anyway, what would be a good skimmer? Since people successfully run tanks completely without a skimmer, I'm thinking one rated at half or less my tank's size since the scrubber will be doing most of the work.

 

[nonstophoops]

I like the look of crushed coral better than sand, even if it means a little extra work sifting the substrate every now and then. I will also be adding a lot of inverts, inverts are probably my main reasoning for setting up saltwater. Anyway, what would be a good skimmer? Since people successfully run tanks completely without a skimmer, I'm thinking one rated at half or less my tank's size since the scrubber will be doing most of the work.

Thats cool, just wanted to make sure you were aware before you went ahead with it.

You won't find a skimmer rated for half the tank size at that size. You really should have a skimmer rated for double on a saltwater tank, but since you are doing the algae scrubber you could do one rated for less if they exist. Personally I would get a Aqua C Remora for a tank like this. They are simply plug and skim with very little if any adjusting. They work very well and are worth the investment.

 

[Tom LoFaro]

You won't find a skimmer rated for half the tank size at that size. You really should have a skimmer rated for double on a saltwater tank, but since you are doing the algae scrubber you could do one rated for less if they exist. Personally I would get a Aqua C Remora for a tank like this

Haha, yeah, that's what I was worried about. And alright, I'll look into it. Thanks.