Algae Turf Scrubber

cults3d

A mid-sized algae turf scrubber filter for a saltwater aquarium calls for two LED lights, each roughly 20 watts, to be added. This scrubber is designed for three cubes of food per day without a skimmer and more if a decent protein skimmer is used. Things needed include a pump, 2mm thick plexiglass, gasket, one inch PVC pipe for the slotted pipe, and three quarter inch PVC pipe for the base over the top of the aquarium. The bottom will bolt to the stand using a 3D printed bulkhead. This is a tight fit, so make sure your printer is calibrated or sanding/filing is required. The slot should be the width of plastic canvas used for sewing art available on Amazon, get number seven. The canvas needs to be roughed up with a hole saw; it should be very rough. The canvas will install into the slot and attach with cable ties. Two LED lights need to be mounted on either side, with slots for two millimeter plexiglass on the side panels. The screen should be cleaned using your hand for the first four to six weeks and then once you have good green algae growth, clean with a plastic card once every two weeks. Expect funky black growth for the first two to four weeks; it takes time to get good green growth. Water flow should be a solid sheet across the screen. Depending on your plumbing, you will need a pump that supplies 300 to 500 gallons per hour. A valve is needed to adjust the flow. A Dremel slot tool is required to help make a straight one eighth inch slot. Drill an eighth inch hole at the beginning of the slot and slowly pull out the one eighth inch Dremel cutter to the length of the slot. Do not go back; one direction for best results. Clean up the slot with sandpaper. The light used was from Banggood.com, a 30-watt LED. The link is https://www.banggood.com/20W-30W-50W-Full-Spectrum-COB-LED-Grow-Plant-Flood-Light-Waterproof-for-Vegetable-Flower-AC85-265V-p-1254330.html?rmmds=myorder&ID=48797. They claim IP65 on this light, but I doubt it is submersible. Make sure you have good grounds inside each light and wire to a GFI circuit for extra safety. A ground probe in the tank is also a very good idea. The wires are a bit short and need to be extended; wire to a waterproof box. This light may be a bit too powerful; I would suggest starting with six hours on and eighteen hours off.