DIY Algae scrubber under $50 test

[Thalassa]

Hi,

I am running a test on a retail scrubber here not ready to post results yet but thing look good enough that i wanted to make my own scrubber

Algae Scrubber experiment

Algae scrubber experiment: Hi Guys. Just got my algae scrubber in the mail today, thought I would document the delta after it starts working. it is a hog2. This is my baseline 2 weeks no water change calling it a little under 40ppm sea-chem nitrate (pretty consistent with previous results)...

www.monsterfishkeepers.com

So based on some onine videos I just built one I plan to throw into my wife's 20 long guppy tank where nitrate is regularly over 80ppm.

here is what I bought, i was leaning towards simplicity over cost this could probably be made for $30 if its worth your effort. retail scrubbers this size usually cost around $200-300

magnets $10

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WCBDPMJ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

660nm Red LED $40

Amazon.com

sewing mesh $3

That is pretty much it other stuff I used that I already had
zip ties
silicone
hand drill
airline
take out food containers

below are pics if you have questions let me know. if anybody is interested I might make a video.

I used a razor to make little slashed in the airline
I rubber the sewing mesh on concrete to rough it up for the algae to grow
hope to have nitrate numbers in a month.



used

 

[fishguy1978]

How do you keep the LEDs dry?

 

[Thalassa]

The led's are on the outside of the tank the mesh is on the inside. I will post a pic tomorrow.

 

[Thalassa]

Here is some video that might help explain the setup

 

[Thalassa]

This is what it looks like setup on the tank, I will post results in about a month. and compare with the commercial product I bought for my other tank.

 

[Thalassa]

the DIY scrubber is getting some great fast growth I seeded it from my other scrubber plus this is my wife's guppy tank where nitrate is always around 40ppm. will post results when this thing really gets established.

sorry for the horrific glare and focus in the pic.

 

[Thalassa]

so this thing is going really strong nitrates are actually going down in an over crowded tank of guppies that are over fed. forget bio media just use one of these.