DIY Algae Scrubber

[Reefer5640]

@damaneice if you end up making one you should post pics of your build. I’d like to see how it turned out. Wether you use the same method or not.

 

[Ashish Patel]

Thanks for Sharing! I know if must have been hours and weeks of research and planning and for you to share links just saved me alot of time.

 

[Reefer5640]

Thanks for Sharing! I know if must have been hours and weeks of research and planning and for you to share links just saved me alot of time.

Glad it could help someone. It did take a little bit. Mostly finding the right container and lights… Post pics of your version so we can see how it turns out. Maybe you’ll think of a better way to do things as you get building it or something to help the next guy out. Best of luck!

 

[Islandvib3s]

Thx for sharing, im going to build one. What size tank are you using it for btw?

 

[Reefer5640]

It’s on my grow out system which is three 50 Gal bins plumbed together, so a 150 I guess. For the bio load it’s a hair undersized but that could also be due to the lack of flow and how long I run the lights. It’s definitely working. Just not as fast as I’d like to see. The first month or so I had it on there it cleaned my sump up pretty good. The next month or so it cleaned one of the three bins almost perfect. And now it’s moved on to the next bin. So it’s working. Just not super fast. But then again for that being the only thing I’m doing to get rid of the algae I’d say that’s pretty good. I haven’t changed my feeding and I rarely remove algae by hand. Just don’t have the time lately which is why I employed a new method of filtration. To give you an idea of bio load; I have 2 triggers, 2 tangs, 4 clowns, 3 damsels, and I’m pretty sure there’s a couple gobies in there that I never see but a couple times a month. I feed once a day with pellets and frozen mysis. Definitely over feeding but I didn’t want to change anything after adding the ATS. I can say with confidence that it’s working. Hope that helps give you an idea how to size it. What size of tank are you putting it on? You can always adjust how long you leave the lights on and how much flow to put through it. I’m definitely not running it to its full potential either.

 

[Reefer5640]

@Cory i found a longer box you were asking about. And for anyone looking to do a big one with 4 lights I found this container that should work (I could only find it in a two or four pack so you’ll end up with extras…). I’m pretty sure it’s the same thing just twice as long. I’ll probably make this one for my 300 Gal build that I’m doing.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08D55R9P3/ref=sspa_mw_detail_0?ie=UTF8&psc=1&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWw

 

[Barnabie Mejia]

Im building this!!! Thanks for the insight, idea, and parts list!!!

 

[Islandvib3s]

It’s on my grow out system which is three 50 Gal bins plumbed together, so a 150 I guess. For the bio load it’s a hair undersized but that could also be due to the lack of flow and how long I run the lights. It’s definitely working. Just not as fast as I’d like to see. The first month or so I had it on there it cleaned my sump up pretty good. The next month or so it cleaned one of the three bins almost perfect. And now it’s moved on to the next bin. So it’s working. Just not super fast. But then again for that being the only thing I’m doing to get rid of the algae I’d say that’s pretty good. I haven’t changed my feeding and I rarely remove algae by hand. Just don’t have the time lately which is why I employed a new method of filtration. To give you an idea of bio load; I have 2 triggers, 2 tangs, 4 clowns, 3 damsels, and I’m pretty sure there’s a couple gobies in there that I never see but a couple times a month. I feed once a day with pellets and frozen mysis. Definitely over feeding but I didn’t want to change anything after adding the ATS. I can say with confidence that it’s working. Hope that helps give you an idea how to size it. What size of tank are you putting it on? You can always adjust how long you leave the lights on and how much flow to put through it. I’m definitely not running it to its full potential either.

Well I have 2 systems i plan on making for each one a 75ga w/40b sump and another frag system 50 lowboy,20t display refugium and 40b sump. I literally just ordered one of those light before seeing this thread, but I do have grow light aswell which I'm going to try before opting for the lights you used. This is awesome. Thx btw.looks pretty simple. I have some cereal containers im going to try to use since they aren't being used for anything else.

 

[xcountryx]

What did you use to paint or coat the box? And does it sit on a rack or down in the sump?

 

[Reefer5640]

What did you use to paint or coat the box? And does it sit on a rack or down in the sump?

I just used plastic spray paint. I only painted the outside. Taped off a square for the windows to let the light in. I just made a little shelf that sits across the top of my sump that it sits on.

 

[Reefer5640]

Im building this!!! Thanks for the insight, idea, and parts list!!!

Yeah hope it helps. Post pics on here if you do so we can see how it turns out!

 

[Reefer5640]

Well I have 2 systems i plan on making for each one a 75ga w/40b sump and another frag system 50 lowboy,20t display refugium and 40b sump. I literally just ordered one of those light before seeing this thread, but I do have grow light aswell which I'm going to try before opting for the lights you used. This is awesome. Thx btw.looks pretty simple. I have some cereal containers im going to try to use since they aren't being used for anything else.

Right on! Good idea.

 

[Islandvib3s]

Right on! Good idea.

Dang it! I almost finished this build without a trip to HD,but it turns out I need a 1/2 pvc cap so I have pressure on the spray bar. Not bad for having almost everything on hand

 

[Reefer5640]

Dang it! I almost finished this build without a trip to HD,but it turns out I need a 1/2 pvc cap so I have pressure on the spray bar. Not bad for having almost everything on hand

Looks good!

 

[damaneice]

@Reefer5640 What kind of paint did you use for your box?​

 

[xcountryx]

I just used plastic spray paint. I only painted the outside. Taped off a square for the windows to let the light in. I just made a little shelf that sits across the top of my sump that it sits on.

@damaneice

 

[Bj’s Reef]

Now I’m thinking about building one for my frag tank.

 

[srobertb]

Has anyone tried making an up-flow version with a project box and an airstone, and some submersible aquarium lights?

How do those compare to your designs? I’m working with an AIO so I’m going with a DIY design like Santa Monica scrubbers.

 

[Islandvib3s]

Has anyone tried making an up-flow version with a project box and an airstone, and some submersible aquarium lights?

How do those compare to your designs? I’m working with an AIO so I’m going with a DIY design like Santa Monica scrubbers.

No I haven't but Diy king has a few on YouTube. Im actually in process of making a reactor algae scrubber for my waterbox20.i just need to add a pump,hose and light. Thinking on making a light box to keep the light from spill

 

[Gulrez]