Mega Powerful Nitrate and Phosphate Remover - DIY!

[JDev]

Hi SantaMonica,

Thaks a lot for the detailed explanation. Since the sole motive of the effort it to get rid of nitrates and phosphates and not to grow algae, can't we get your device without feeding too much extra amount, i.e. a little more than needed by fishes?

Thanks.

 

[SantaMonica]

You just need to figure how much you are going to be feeding, and choose a size that can handle it. I'd choose one about twice as big as needed.

 

[Smertrios]

Was checking eBay for led prices and came across these. From 10-100 watts...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/160578585550

 

[SantaMonica]

You could try it since it's waterproof and cheap. A 10 X 10cm screen would be good, with a light on both sides.

Generally, you want red LED's (660nm seems to grow green algae the best), and more smaller ones instead of one big one (to reduce hot spots), but you probably won't find these things in a ready-to-use waterproof ebay light.

 

[JDev]

SM,

I am thinking to build algae scrapper under the canopy with 4 4W (aquarium grade) fluorescent tubes, the lower 2 will also illuminate the tank. It may require a smaller pump due to lower distance.

Since I have a 4' tank and I have 6" vertical space b/w the water surface and canopy top, I can use a screen size of 5"x40", horizontally expanded.

Please put your suggestions for my design and also tel me if the lightening would be sufficient, thanks.

 

[JDev]

Sorry it is 4 40W tubes.

 

[SantaMonica]

Yes that will work very good if the flow is good. 160 watts is a good amount for that size screen, and should be able to handle at least 10 cubes of food a day.

 

[JDev]

Hi SM,

If built in a closed bucket, how important is ventilation?

Thanks.

 

[SantaMonica]

Not important unless you want cooling.

 

[Good_Times]

Why does the screen need to be cleaned. Doesn't that just mean your removing the algae and cause the tank to get an nitrate spike?