Anyone using an algae scrubber?

[RolloDog]

Found these hang-on-tank options that sounds very cool. Anyone else tried it out? Can it replace skimmer/filter media?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BP0MXX6/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A7FXQ8ZDORS3N
I think Santa Monica was a member here once upon a time but I don't see any recent posts.
I'd like to set it up in 20gal tank with plenty of live rock, lightly stocked with fish and softies.
Appreciate any stories of success or failure with this filtration approach...
Thanks

 

[snakeblitz33]

You can build one for a fraction of that price. I don't know why they insist on charging $180 for something so simple.

Yes, I have used algae scrubbers a lot in the past. I have one now on a 2.5g tank. It does a great job.

Algae utilize ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, phosphates and other micronutrients in the water column to build their tissues.

This is very different from protein skimmers, which remove proteins from the water column, and in the process the proteins become really sticky and attract floating debris in the water column - built up organic molecules which can cause problems with nitrates and phosphates.

Both systems of removing built up organics in a system is better than nothing. I strongly caution to use both protein skimming and a scrubber if you plan to feed quite a bit.

Do searches for DIY scrubbers. It's as easy as a $2 pack of sewing plastic for the roughed up screen, a $10 air pump, a bubble wand, zip ties, a TV dinner plate and some magnets. Glue gun and knife is needed. The LED bulb can be purchased from Home Depot for $20 and a light holder is $10.

You might end up saving well over $100 depending on how much of it you already have on hand.

A scrubber is also nothing new. Scrubbers have been around since the 60s or 70s. They are just now getting more recognition in the hobby with the advent of the Internet.

 

[beaslbob]

IMHO a refugium with macro algaes will do the same thing with less maintenance.
That could be just a tank partition so you have a display and macro algae sections for instance

my .02

 

[snakeblitz33]

Hair algae, given proper growth medium, will outcompete macro algae.

Hair algae is a simpler form of algae- and as such is faster growing and faster at removing nutrients.

 

[beaslbob]

Hair algae, given proper growth medium, will outcompete macro algae.

Hair algae is a simpler form of algae- and as such is faster growing and faster at removing nutrients.

That's the reason it is important to vary lighting and feeding to favor the macros.