What's better? Algae scrubber vs Chaeto reactor

Joeganja · Sep 7, 2016

So I've had an algae scrubber and I've never really had trouble with nitrates regardless of either having hair algae or not but it did help control any algae in the main display. But since both products are relatively new to this hobby I'm wondering if it's better to stick with a DIY algae scrubber that takes up a lot of space or a DIY Chaeto reactor.

For anyone who has a DIY Chaeto reactor would you please post photos and how you set one up. I'm interested in one for myself.

lennyd19 · Sep 7, 2016

I will be setting mine up in a few days will post then. Going with vertex reactor and hydroponic strip lights from amozon.

Oldsofty · Sep 7, 2016

I personally like the algae scrubber, if properly set up it is an awesome nutrient export. Also, chaeto is good but i just put it in sump with rock rubble and a light for pod breeding. I would guess that an algae scrubber would be better at nutrient export due to the speed at which that algae grows. Of course my evidence for that is based on observation not scientific evidence. I would use both...

Joeganja · Sep 7, 2016

lennyd19 said:
I will be setting mine up in a few days will post then. Going with vertex reactor and hydroponic strip lights from amozon.

Which strips?

lennyd19 · Sep 7, 2016

Joeganja said:
Which strips?

gtbarsi · Sep 7, 2016

With chaeto if your light schedule is the reverse of the DT lighting schedule you get a CO2 reduction at night that helps with the PH swing. I do know if an algae scrubber would provide similar results given the amount of air exchange with an algae scrubber.

Joeganja · Sep 7, 2016

gtbarsi said:
With chaeto if your light schedule is the reverse of the DT lighting schedule you get a CO2 reduction at night that helps with the PH swing. I do know if an algae scrubber would provide similar results given the amount of air exchange with an algae scrubber.

So it would also benefit the pH swing to make it more stable right?

Oldsofty · Sep 7, 2016

It helps your ph at night so it doesn't drop. Gtbarsi thats a good question....i have always used both and i run their lights on 24/7 so i guess i don't know if the algae scrubber would help with ph or not....good experiment.

Cory · Sep 8, 2016

Ats is more efficient on a space basis. Science has proved it. Look it up.

Oldsofty · Sep 8, 2016

Well i believe it. Never had an algae bloom ever and always millions of pods. U can diy one for cheap and its a great backup even if u got other nutrient export systems in place. Highly recommended.

lennyd19 · Sep 8, 2016

Well running a heat test. I think they may emit to much heat.

Joeganja · Sep 8, 2016

lennyd19 said:
Well running a heat test. I think they may emit to much heat.

Can you cut down the LED strips to make them about half?

lennyd19 · Sep 8, 2016

Yes you can. I just took it off will go back to GFO for now. I did not like the heat on plastic.

Chezted · Sep 22, 2016

I set up one just like that a couple of weeks ago, with water running thru it heat doesn't seem to be a problem. I worried it might heat the tank, but it does not at all. It really grows the chaeto too.