DIY Algae scrubber

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Had a question about the denitrate filter guys.

So if i go with 3 towers daisy chained would it make sense or bemefit the anerobic bb if i had foam in the 1st tower, second tower empty (water) and the media in the last tower (6L) ? Or just fill the 1st amd second towers with foam ?

Also may use filter floss in place of the foam until its delivered
 
jaws7777 said:
Great points kolt. Was wondering about a potential ammonia spike while recharging the purigen. Since i took i out yesterday now would be a good time to test. May not be accurate though as i did alarge wc today.

Ahhh the scrubber i have but the algae seems like a unicorn for me....just couldnt get any to grow. Im going to keep experimenting with different applications
Click to expand...
Thanks jaws. I was just pointing out what I've seen debated recently and what I see that makes the possible cons relevant. People also go back and forth on seeing Spikes. Some Purigen users say they've had them others don't and swear by Purigen.

Remember your lettuce is competing with the algae for available resources. So that maybe some of your issue. Are you fertilizing? Or just relying on the organic waste from the fish?

Jaws can what method you've used to create anaerobic bb in one of the towers?
 
I think the pressure will be reduced if daisy chained together. The denitrate is flow dependent 30-50 gph. Filter floss is ok but will need to be replaced. It'll clog quick. I think one tower with media and one tower with foam or filter floss would be the go. The tower with media would be the first tower to get water from the pump as well.
 
koltsixx said:
Thanks jaws. I was just pointing out what I've seen debated recently and what I see that makes the possible cons relevant. People also go back and forth on seeing Spikes. Some Purigen users say they've had them others don't and swear by Purigen.

Remember your lettuce is competing with the algae for available resources. So that maybe some of your issue. Are you fertilizing? Or just relying on the organic waste from the fish?

Jaws can what method you've used to create anaerobic bb in one of the towers?
Click to expand...
I moved the lettuce to another tank with a much smaller bioload that already has 10 ir so WL plants and had shown some decent reduction in nitrates. Figure it would do more for me there than in the large sump thst was accumulating all sorts of algae, plus the bio load is much higher.

Im gonna try the purigen in a submersible filter and see how it does with the higher flow rate.

Havent gotten to the the anerobic filter yet but have all the materials just need time to start it.

kno4te said:
I think the pressure will be reduced if daisy chained together. The denitrate is flow dependent 30-50 gph. Filter floss is ok but will need to be replaced. It'll clog quick. I think one tower with media and one tower with foam or filter floss would be the go. The tower with media would be the first tower to get water from the pump as well.
Click to expand...

Not disagreeing but ive read that the foam or mech should go first so that the media doesnt become clogged over time.

Yeah the floss is just because im impatient amd the foam wont arrive till mid april..smh

I thought the longer the water flows through the filter the more oxygen will be depleted that was the reason for the 3 towers and the media being in the last...
Dunno am i looking at the backwards. Wouldnt be the first time lol
 
Oh wanted to ask whats the equation to figure out gph ? Want to test on a 1 gallon jug
 
Yea the longer water flows but my concern and has been was the flow and a drop. I see my own pump having issues with moving water when not primed or needing assistance to start up.

The small pump has an internal filter in it. Maybe a small filter at the pump.

But yes the clogging is a problem.

The gph is a combination of what seachem recommends and other users of the media suggestions. Plus the seachem tech agreed with a flow of 30-50gph.

Sometimes I think mfk should have a section where members can connect with other members live like audio and or video and get answers or help asap.

No worries. You're seeing things straight.
 
The denitrator has kicked in, a little slow, at only 10ppm to 5 gallon drop in 24 hours. Last night at 5 pm, it tested over 30ppm. From a start of 20ppm.
60 degree F water, and the bacteria are still growing.
 
  • Like
Reactions: tarheel96
jaws7777 said:
Were you able to get any growth with the cheapo lights ?

Was thinking id i spray paint the purigen reactor black and throw in the screen and a sumbersible light maybe its worth a try. Dont want all the algae growing all over the sump.

Anu suggestions on a cheapish sumbersible light that will fit in a 1 gallon jug ?
Click to expand...

I am still looking, but a CFL in a water proof jar. Connected to a GFI. Would be the cheapest. With out epoxy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom