Algae scrubber as bio filter.

[le0p]

I didn't run tests yesterday when I changed the water but I'll run one tonight and again next weekend for a comparison.

The tank went a full 2 weeks without a water change due to work/personal circumstances and I didn't get any excessive in-tank algae to indicate higher than normal nitrates and the algae in the scrubber grew a lot in that time. Compare the picture I posted on Tuesday of last week to the one I took last night, that's about 5 days of growth.

 

[jaws7777]

DN328 this is one to keep an eye on

 

[le0p]

Nitrate looked like 5-10 ppm, always have a hard time telling the difference on the API kit. I didn't think about it last night but i'll post pictures in the future for reference. It's been around 10ppm every time i've tested so this is stable. I also did a 50% change on Sunday.

Next water change will be next Monday as I'm out of town this weekend, I will test prior to that and post an update with the nitrate numbers and algae growth.

 

[DN328]

DN328 this is one to keep an eye on

Thanks. My bro in law has been trying to convince me I need an algae scrubber and wants to make one for me! Aside from reefer likes hydroponics and stuff.

 

[markstrimaran]

The top tank is at 20 ppm, after 2 weeks.
And the glass is still clean.

The bottom tank is currently with out a scrubber. As I have just been too busy.

The algea scrubber test tank, well is still doing fine.

My sump pump died, so I am unable too do semi automatic water changes.
Stuck some were between boat trailers, and my kid wrenching his car.

 

[jaws7777]

Nitrate looked like 5-10 ppm, always have a hard time telling the difference on the API kit. I didn't think about it last night but i'll post pictures in the future for reference. It's been around 10ppm every time i've tested so this is stable. I also did a 50% change on Sunday.

Next water change will be next Monday as I'm out of town this weekend, I will test prior to that and post an update with the nitrate numbers and algae growth.

Interested in seeing the results.

 

[markstrimaran]

UPDATE 5

Nitrate 10 ppm,
Feeding 4 times a week.
Lighting. 4, ten watt. 660nm x 453nm 8 to 1 cob chip.
40 watts total. Actual about 30 watts.
Clean filters 2x week.
Ph 8.20
Temp 74 F.
Same stocking.
Doing a water change tomorrow, with 10ppm tap water

UPDATE 6

One month without water change.
My sump pump failed.

Fluidized algea scrubber tank
Nitrates 10ppm unchanged.
Ph 8.10
Temp 74F
Feeding sporadic, changed mechanical filters twice,
Lights are still good


Top tank
Nitrates at 20ppm,
Need to clean mechanical filter.
Lights are all still going good.

Bottom tank, 40+nitrates, no scrubber, trying out in tank algea.

The algea reactor glass cylinder. lights are slowing going out, had a pin hole in the epoxy.
Bummer. So it will need rebuilt maybe next winter.

 

[le0p]

Results from latest nitrate test:


This looks the same as results from earlier last week.

Here's a shot of the algae scrubber:



Anecdotally, I didn't have much algae to clean from the glass this week. Which was a good indicator for me that nitrates are at the least increasing slower.

 

[markstrimaran]

Is it mostly algae scum?. Thin layer.
Will probably peel off if allowed to grow thick.

 

[markstrimaran]

Unharvested for about 2 weeks, the softball sized mass of fresh water turf algea.