My take on an a DIY Upflow Algae Scrubber

[arnallop3]

Here are some pics of my DIY algae scrubber. Based my design off Santa Monica's HOG.

I used a bit of super glue and then silicon to incorporate the screen and tubing.

Screen size is about 35 sq. Inches.
I'm running it with a Whisper 60 gal air pump.

I ordered an 18w deep red leds from ebay but realized quickly it was too strong without a dimmer. I bought a plant grow led bulb from wal mart used it with reflector and has been working so far. This shows about a week or so of progress. The screen is barely breaking in. I seeded the screen with some GHA and feel like it helped jumpstart it.

Since the leds are too strong I decided to use it on my chaeto which is now thriving because of the new light. I plan on getting a dimmable 12w deep red fixture. Similar to the one pictured which is the 18w.

I will post some more progress pics and some assembly pics in the next few days. Thanks for reading

Ps. I returned that bulb and got the bigger one. 8w 65w equivalent

 

[vector824]

I like it! Got a pic with it installed and the light on?

 

[arnallop3]

I like it! Got a pic with it installed and the light on?

I had to sub original light with a clamp on. Until I can get a dimmable led probably around 10-12 watts. Here is a pic w it on

 

[arnallop3]

Here's how I built it. I included materials used in a picture above.

Keep in mind when gluing or using silicone on plastic it has trouble sticking so rough plastic up a bit w sandpaper to help it adhere.

STEP 1: Measure and cut your plastic canvas.

STEP 2: Rough up your screen. I used a dremel with a sanding wheel. I have heard of people rubbing screen on concrete to give same effect. Personally I think rough sandpaper would be best alternative. Make sure it is rough to the touch.

STEP 3: Glue 1st screen to container. I used gorilla gel glue to keep in place and then finished with the silicone.

STEP 4: Make a hole on top for airline.
You will then have to run it along edge and attach with silicone. (I heated up a drill bit and made holes with that) Some people use air stones but I plugged the end of the airline and criss cut about 3" worth of tubing. This makes big bubbles which is better.

STEP 5: Attach 2nd screen

I chose to use two screens. One glued to container and another free standing one. Figured I could use extra surface and clean front one while back one can be left w some growth. If it impedes future growth I will remove the one closest to the light.

STEP 5: Add wings and suction cups

This was the easiest way for me to attach it to suction cups. I found a plastic dish and cut out 2 triangles (Need 4 wings for whole project)

STEP 6: Make more holes
Around the container try and make more holes to allow more flow. I made about 3-4 on top. Same amount on bottom. On sides I made about 4-5 holes. I chose to make some holes before finishing which was not best choice. Had to redo some holes due to screen being in the way. If you wait until the end to make these holes it will be easier.

I will add the how to for light. Very similar except using JB Weld.

Thanks for reading hope it helps anyone who trying to figure scrubbers out. I will keep yall posted on progress

 

[drevalenz]

How has the growth been

 

[arnallop3]

How has the growth been

Sorry hadnt put an update up. There has been some good growth on it. I had light pretty close so I feel I got a hot spot and made growth slower at beginning. This is a bit under a month of growth. So far so good.

 

[arnallop3]

Previous post was from july 16.

July 26


Aug 6




I let it grow a bit too much in the efforts of covering most of the screen. I'll start cleaning it more frequently now. Once a week. So far seems to be a good addition to the tank.

 

[Katrina71]

@cromag27