3D Printed Algae Scrubber

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tbrown

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So back in September, I printed an Algae Scrubber and an adapter that replaced one of my filter socks for my Mariner 70.

Adapter:
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Scrubber body:
1000007958.jpg


I'm running this with a Sicce Micra pump, so 90 gph. I decided to utilize a stair step rather than the mesh screen style. It has been running now for 3 months using a cheapo LED grow light off the big box online running at 100% intensity on the purple/pink setting.

During the 3 months that it's been running this, it has produced a good amount of algae to be harvested. However, I have determined that, due to the light spill, algae growth which ends up plugging the filter floss filter cup I'm running.

So this, plus the potential of adding a floss roller means this algae scrubber is going away.

So a redesign was in order! This time, I went with the mesh screen style instead of a stair step design. This one will clip onto the return chamber of my sump. I may have to design another attachment to keep the water from splashing and creating micro bubbles.

This is the prototype so I used whatever filament I had. It will use the same light that is installed on the other one. I printed this in 4 pieces, the first two being the light bracket and a clear protective plate for the light.:
IMG_20251203_224655353.jpg
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The next part is the body - the light adapter slides into the top of the body (obviously), and the fourth piece is the screen and front that slides into the body.

I have yet to install this yet, and it is a fairly rough print, but I have decently high hopes for this. A few modifications are needed to not need an extra adapter I had to print.

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3d printing seems like alot of fun. But, I think if I add one more expensive hobby I'll get murdered lol.
It's not overly expensive once you buy a printer, it's just that initial hit.
 
It's not overly expensive once you buy a printer, it's just that initial hit.
Yeah, I'm about to initial hit putting another system together lol. Maybe in a year or two ill consider it. Seems like a fun hobby.
 

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