Turf/GHA Algae Scrubber - 3D Printed

[tbrown]

Well, I've been battling a bit of algae so I decided to design and print a scrubber to replace one of my filter socks.

I finished printing it last night and got the tubing for it today.

I know, I know - take a picture in white light please, that's too much blue. Oh wait! I printed it with Blue PETG filament.

I turned it on tonight. Running the Sicce Mi Mouse at full GPH, about 10" - 12" rise from the water to the top of the scrubber so I estimate about 50-60 GPH actually moving across the surface of the scrubber. Flow looks just about perfect to me.

I ordered a grow light that should be here next week so more pictures when that is installed.

 

[Anton Wray]

The grow light will make a big difference. Please post images

 

[tbrown]

The grow light will make a big difference. Please post images

Yep! I just got bored and decided to install it before the light arrived. I'm going to work on adding a temporary light hopefully this evening.

 

[VintageReefer]

What does the algae grow on? Is there a screen or rough surface?

 

[That Crusso Kid]

Yep! I just got bored and decided to install it before the light arrived. I'm going to work on adding a temporary light hopefully this evening.

400W MH?

 

[VintageReefer]

400W MH?

Lol!

I would use this

GEM5 underwater submersible plant-grow and algae-grow light for refugiums, algae scrubbers, reactors, hydroponics and aquaponics

www.santa-monica.cc

The kit with Power supply + 1 or + 2 lights should work well here

 

[tbrown]

What does the algae grow on? Is there a screen or rough surface?

Rough surface.

 

[tbrown]

It's in my sump so I want to keep the light focused away from the Clown/Nem section (refugiumish).

 

[Miami Reef]

Wow. Very cool!

 

[Anton Wray]

Rough surface.

Fine piece of mesh.

 

[tbrown]

It looks like i may need to turn it down a little bit now that the pump has been running for a few days.

Light arrived today - 5 watts red and blue LED grow light. I have it set for 18 hours starting when the DT starts to ramp down. There's already a little bit of algae growth on one of the steps so I'm hopeful that the light will help grow some!

 

[cba191]

How is this working for you?

 

[tbrown]

How is this working for you?

This one is sitting on a shelf. I got a filter roller and needed my sock slot back. I did a redesign on a little different one that now is suspended above my return section. It's the more traditional type with a screen and water trickles down the screen. I will say the stair step design, while less traditional, seemed to do a better job of growing algae. I have considered redesigning this one to fit above the return section, I just haven't gotten around to it.