more effective nitrate reomover: algae scrubber or pothos

[Charney]

If you wanted to incorporate one of these into a sump which would be more effective nitrate remover? I would imagine it would be the scrubber, but do you think pothos alone could be as effective? Would working both in be over kill? thanks

 

[Dieselhybrid]

I've never used an algae scrubber but I've heard good things if you make them large enough. There's a gallon to square inch ratio for them, not sure the formula but I'm sure you can search and find it.

I can tell you that on a 600 gallon system with massive bioload 5-10x recommended purigen with pothos does an amazing job keeping my nitrates in check. Strongly recommend the combo

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[Grishtargan]

Pothos!!! It is cheap and easy!


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[duanes]

I use both, pothos, and papyrus in the main tanks where indirect or partial direct sun is available, and have created a couple algae scrubbers in sumps.


and where applicable, both together

I don't believe there is ever overkill where filtration and water quality are concerned.

 

[Charney]

I use both, pothos, and papyrus in the main tanks where indirect or partial direct sun is available, and have created a couple algae scrubbers in sumps.


and where applicable, both together

I don't believe there is ever overkill where filtration and water quality are concerned.

that all looks great. Can you post more pictures of the scrubbers? How do you size your scrubbers?

 

[duanes]

I just transfer/seed some hair algae from a tank that grows it naturally, onto a grid that fits under the light I have available and fits the surface area of the sump.

I like to weave it in between some screen and eggcrate held together with zip ties.

 

[Charney]

thank you for the additional pictures

Diesel how heavy is your tank planted with the pothos? How often do you have to recharge the purigen?