Plecc
Fish Crazy
Hi all,
I was doing a bit of research into long term algae control, when i stumbled across some posts all about algae scrubbers.
New to me!
It turns out that they have been around for years, but only one man owns the patent and almost total control of the concept, since 1980.
Unfortunately it appears the man who owns the patent has never attempted to go into production or allow anyone else the opportunity.
So as far as i know algae scrubbers are almost unheard of.
But they sound amazing, so many benefits in both fresh and saltwater setups.
(By SantaMonica - www.tropicalfishkeeping.com)
Here are some advantages of an algae filter:
o Allows you to feed very high amounts without causing nuisance algae growth in the tank.
o Can replace water changes, IF THE PURPOSE of the water change is to reduce nitrate or
phosphate or algae growth. Otherwise, it does not replace the water change.
o Grows swarms of copepods.
o Increases pH.
o Increases oxygen.
o Will NOT spread algae into the tank. It removes algae FROM the tank.
o There is no odor from the algae (only a slight ocean smell when cleaning it).
o Is very quiet when flowing, similar to a tabletop decorative waterfall.
o Introduces no microbubbles when adjusted.
o Removes ammonia too.
(end)
The only real negatives i know of are:
Having to clean 1/2 the mesh and flush with F/W every 7 days.
And the high flow rates required.
Are micro bubbles a problem? (i think they can get into the tank if the setup is wrong!)
Another problem is yellowing of the tank water, which is now known as a result of poor maintenance, and so it's wise to stick to the 7 day schedule.
My main concern is a few people mentioned that they degrade over time and become less efficient, but this could also be poor maintenance.
If anyone has any experiences with algae filtration good or bad it would be great to hear from you.
Is it as good as it sounds?
Plecc.
I was doing a bit of research into long term algae control, when i stumbled across some posts all about algae scrubbers.
New to me!
It turns out that they have been around for years, but only one man owns the patent and almost total control of the concept, since 1980.
Unfortunately it appears the man who owns the patent has never attempted to go into production or allow anyone else the opportunity.
So as far as i know algae scrubbers are almost unheard of.
But they sound amazing, so many benefits in both fresh and saltwater setups.
(By SantaMonica - www.tropicalfishkeeping.com)
Here are some advantages of an algae filter:
o Allows you to feed very high amounts without causing nuisance algae growth in the tank.
o Can replace water changes, IF THE PURPOSE of the water change is to reduce nitrate or
phosphate or algae growth. Otherwise, it does not replace the water change.
o Grows swarms of copepods.
o Increases pH.
o Increases oxygen.
o Will NOT spread algae into the tank. It removes algae FROM the tank.
o There is no odor from the algae (only a slight ocean smell when cleaning it).
o Is very quiet when flowing, similar to a tabletop decorative waterfall.
o Introduces no microbubbles when adjusted.
o Removes ammonia too.
(end)
The only real negatives i know of are:
Having to clean 1/2 the mesh and flush with F/W every 7 days.
And the high flow rates required.
Are micro bubbles a problem? (i think they can get into the tank if the setup is wrong!)
Another problem is yellowing of the tank water, which is now known as a result of poor maintenance, and so it's wise to stick to the 7 day schedule.
My main concern is a few people mentioned that they degrade over time and become less efficient, but this could also be poor maintenance.
If anyone has any experiences with algae filtration good or bad it would be great to hear from you.
Is it as good as it sounds?
Plecc.
/www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnysX1sLsLc
