• We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo

Algae scrubber as bio filter.

All steady, but had to steal 5 leds, so down to 10, until the replacements are ready.

The ph has been around 7.8 very consistently.
This is with out any minerals for buffering, other than glass, silicone, and PVC plastic.

The algea is the only thing buffering the PH. The lights are on 24x7 so their no night time oxygen uptakes.
 
So pH had been steady at 7.8 but recently dropped to 7.5? If it's important that pH is higher then you could add a little sodium bicarbonate but pH 7.5 is probably fine.
How does the algae buffer the pH?
 
The ph after the last water change was 8.4 as time goes by it normally becomes more acidic.
With the algea it bottomed around 7.1 ph , and with 10 leds, 7.8 ph. I am back up to 15 leds, so far the PH has been 8.10.

The Co2 getting removed, increases ph, increase in oxygen increases ph. It does change the toxic ammonia range.

So the last water change was 6 JAN 18. The current nitrate level is 18ppm. Up about 3 ppm from last water change. 13 days ago.20180119_040652.jpgAmmonia is 0 ppm
Nitrate 18ppm up 3 from last W/C
Ph. 8.1 and increasing
Temp 74 F.
 
I cracked the glass lenses on some diy, liquid cooled lights on my waterfall scrubfit.

Then burned out one set with a little too much voltage. On the drip through scrubber.

Then some how quality control sent me a mixed bag of deep red, light red diodes. Scrapped another light.

So finally back up. Here is the difference , reflected off a small acrylic box. 20180113_161006.jpg
 
1516467870351438543313.jpg 2 weeks on 5 leds.
15164680475081077719813.jpg
Thirteen, grow outs at 1". On the auto algea feeder. I flow about 50 gph from the main tank.

Any uneaten algea, and waste is mechanicaly filter on top of the scrubber.

Very low maintenance. I only mess with the filter floss. I use another 1 gallon tank for very small fry. That plumbs in.
 
20180121_141903.jpg
15 days after water change
Ammonia 0ppm
Nitrate 20ppm. Up 5ppm from last water change.
PH 8.10
FEEDING 1/2 tsp day at least.
20 medium African cichlids.20180121_143650.jpg
Latest growth on fluidised algea balls, with 15 led lights. "30 watts"
 
20180120_131328.jpg
15 3 watt submersible "diy" led light.
Fingers crossed, as about half of mine fail. So I am unqualified to give any advice on how to.

This is earmarked for my top " log tank" if it survives. I want to try it in the experimental tank, with 30 leds, for a couple of weeks.
 
Random notes, 2.25@12@ 10x7
20180123_173547.jpg
Last time I tried this, the lights lasted 5 days, as a pin hole created a galvanic circuit. Which corroded the inside of the led board.
20180123_173507.jpgIt is about 25 actual watts, with 15 three watt led diodes. According to my multimeter.

If all works, the air bubbles will stuff off algea from the smooth, sand based, algea screen. Then a near by pump will emacerate it and pump it into a large filter basket.
 
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