Converting a Skimz algae reactor to a scrubber

[mta_morrow]

Ok, I’m not sure if it’s really a scrubber, but it’s more along those lines than not.

The purpose of this thread is to discuss the DIY conversion of the reactor, not the science of growing chaeto please.

Thank you in advance.


So every time I put chaeto in my Skimz reactor, it grows for a while, then it turns to mush. I’ve been told I may need to test for iron and add stuff to keep it growing.

I am steady at 16ppm nitrates and run 0-.03 on phosphates.

Done this 4 times.

No algae in the display.

I dose NoPox.

I’m saying all that so that all info is on the table.

The one thing that grows fine in the reactor is GHA.

It doesn’t need iron or need to be treated with additives. It just grows, and grows fast.

Like a scrubber does. I don’t hear about someone’s hair algae dying and having to start over.

Not saying it hasn’t, just that I haven’t heard of it.

I don’t personally like the whole scrubber setup, I do like the reactors.

So, I turned my chaeto reactor into a hair algae reactor / scrubber.

Here are the major pieces of the Skimz reactor (also a roll of screen which I didn’t use), light is not pictured.

Here is how you seed the reactor with chaeto, and what it looks like grow out, (right before harvest or death)!

Scrubbers use screens with a water flow over them and light being used on either side of the screen.

The reactor has the light in the middle, a full length tube with LED’s lighting “outward”.

I cut some extra screen material I had from my last tanks screen top.

I roughed up each side of the screen with 100 grit sand paper as I have seen that in scrubber videos.

I used approximately 108 square inches.

I sewed the ends together with a small zip tie.

I then used the “holders” for seeding the reactor with chaeto to hold the screens in place.

I saved some GHA from when I cleaned the reactor earlier.

I balled it up and smeared it all over the screen to try and seed it. Don’t know if it will help, but it won’t hurt.

I did not leave any pieces or chunks in the reactor.

Then it’s just assembly of the reactor, insert the light, and into the sump.

I’m starting on a 12 hour schedule, opposite of the display lights.

I will post updates here as I start to see growth in the reactor.

 

[joseserrano]

very interesting

 

[mta_morrow]

very interesting

We’ll see what happens!

 

[DangerDave]

Rough it up more. Take a hole saw bit (for wood not glass) to rough it up, works great.

This is very interesting, I’ve had that happen in my skimz reactor a few times. I’ll be following to see the results, good luck!

 

[mta_morrow]

Rough it up more. Take a hole saw bit (for wood not glass) to rough it up, works great.

This is very interesting, I’ve had that happen in my skimz reactor a few times. I’ll be following to eat the results, good luck!

Rough up the mesh more?

Also, you shouldn’t follow to eat the results! Yuck!

Thanks for following and Happy Thanksgiving.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

That’s really cool.

 

[mta_morrow]

That’s really cool.

Thanks, I hope it works as good as a typical scrubber.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Awesome! Sorry to hear the chaeto didnt make it. But this is an amazing diy!

 

[mta_morrow]

Awesome! Sorry to hear the chaeto didnt make it. But this is an amazing diy!

Thanks Crabs. I hope it grows GHA like crazy!

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Interesting that the gha grows and the chato doesn’t.

The only thing I can think of is that the chato needs to excrete a more cellulose (?) structure while the GHA doesnt.
I wonder what’s missing?

@Subsea any thoughts?

 

[mta_morrow]

For reference, this is what has happened 4 times.

Starts out growing for a few weeks, then death. I can tell it’s happening as I see it in my weekly tests.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Where do your no3 and Po4 average at?

 

[Chrysemys]

Not familiar with the algae reactor specifically. Does it have any air flow that goes through the chamber.
They way I understand it, the air water interface in a typical algae scrubber ensures there is enough CO2 for growth. I wonder if a simple bubbler might not be a good addition to your design if it doesn’t already have it.

 

[mta_morrow]

Where do your no3 and Po4 average at?

NO3 at 16 and PO4 .01-.03. Both steady for a couple months.

 

[mta_morrow]

Not familiar with the algae reactor specifically. Does it have any air flow that goes through the chamber.
They way I understand it, the air water interface in a typical algae scrubber ensures there is enough CO2 for growth. I wonder if a simple bubbler might not be a good addition to your design if it doesn’t already have it.

No air or bubbler in the reactor. I will have to think about how to add that if it’s needed.

 

[Subsea]

Interesting that the gha grows and the chato doesn’t.

The only thing I can think of is that the chato needs to excrete a more cellulose (?) structure while the GHA doesnt.
I wonder what’s missing?

@Subsea any thoughts?

Differrent algae are more efficient when nutrients are low. I find gha much more adaptable than Chaetomorphy when nutrients are low. Soft fleshy algae’s produce more exudates with gha leading the pack.

 

[NY_Caveman]

Love this idea
.

 

[NefTunzReef]

Love this idea
.

Very interesting conversion of the macroalgae reactor. I have the same reactor as you and it grows my chaeto in the middle but the inside walls are covered in GHA. I'm following along to see if the GHA will take hold of your DIY screen and what, if any, difference in nutrient control you will see. Great project!

 

[Subsea]

Algae filters work. However, the practicality of harvesting gha sounds like it would be more work then harvesting Chaeto from a reactor. How difficult removing gha from attached screens will determine practicality of your gha reactor.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Differrent algae are more efficient when nutrients are low. I find gha much more adaptable than Chaetomorphy when nutrients are low. Soft fleshy algae’s produce more exudates with gha leading the pack.

Cool. Thank you.
I had assumed that would do better under lower nutrients , Esp with the presence of a little more ammoina like in a new tank.

So a gha reactor or scrubber would probably a good reccomendation for a newer lower nutrient tank.

What do you think about the the impact of higher flow in the reactor VS a refugium with the success of growing chato vs gha? Gha seems to enjoy higher flows ime. Not had chato in that high a flow.
That’s a common question for chato reactor users.