New Algae Scrubber

[al&burke]

I started making another algae scrubber (AS). The one I have right now is stuck in my sump and I don't have a lot of real estate under the tanks. Another concern I had was water splashing on the bulbs and potential fire hazard. So i went up - the AS is going to be on top of the canopy in the back. I added some dividers to an old 10 gallon tank I had to completely seal the lights from the screen, I completely painted the outside of the tank black so little or no light would escape. I am going to take the water from the fuge and pump it up to the AS and then drain back to the sump. The fuge was the easiest place to take the water from. Also since the fuge has 1" of sand and a bit of cheato I made a cradle so the pump would not pick up the sand or macro algae, I am going to put eggcrate on both sides as well. So as the drawing show there will be 6 - 23 watt CFL bulbs , 3 on both sides of the tank. Here are a few drawings - everything is built and I will have some pictures shortly after it is installed.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Awesome. Can't wait to see the build. Can I link this thread to my algae scrubber thread?

 

[acrylic51]

Following along!!!!

 

[2quills]

Me 2. As if I wouldn't...pffft!

 

[snakeblitz33]

Your making me consider redesigning my whole system. I'm actually thinking about redesigning my stand right now! My wife already gave me the towhead!!!! Lol
Soon as I see your design in action, I'll make adjustments of my own.

 

[al&burke]

Thanks Guys - Here are a couple of shots of the AS in place, busy day today - everything is done just need to get it up. Front shot and a side shot. I am going to build a wooden shelf around it so when you look at it you won't see that it is a scrubber.

 

[acrylic51]

Looks very good Al!!!!! I did get to Harbor Freight today, and got some pics I can shoot you to let you know what bits I use....

 

[snakeblitz33]

Your tank is lookin' good too!

 

[al&burke]

Thanks again guys - picture was taken with my cell phone, I will hopefully have this running by tomorrow, still have to roughen up the screen - something I hate doing. Anyways have a good night.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Yeah. Not my favorite part either.

 

[gemmy]

Very nice!

 

[al&burke]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gemmy http:///t/389090/new-algae-scrubber#post_3436338
Very nice!
Thanks Krista - I will be happy to get some real estate back in my sump.

 

[al&burke]

I got it running tonight, little noisy for my liking. Anyways hopefully the enclosure will make it quieter.

 

[cipher43]

Looks great! By the way what is the thing attached to the pipe thats holding your screen in there?

 

[al&burke]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cipher43 http:///t/389090/new-algae-scrubber#post_3436471
Looks great! By the way what is the thing attached to the pipe thats holding your screen in there?
Nylon nuts and bolts or are you refering to my hand

 

[2quills]

Looks good, Al. Wheres the majority of the noise coming from the drain?

 

[al&burke]

Well I had a short piece of pipe to get the water level up to the screen it wasn't high enough, so I added a bit more and a 90 elbow - the noise is almost gone. I had to shut it down I had a small leak out of the pump I didn't have a barbed hose fitting so I tried a small piece of pipe to seal the 3/4" clear hose to the 1" supply line. I will get a barbed hose fitting tomorrow, it should be fine.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Glad it's quieting down. Would you take a look at my scrubber design I'm working on for my 20g?

 

[gemmy]

I have a dumb question. Can possibly post a pic of the barbed hose fitting? And where would one find one?

 

[al&burke]

Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/389090/new-algae-scrubber#post_3436520
Glad it's quieting down. Would you take a look at my scrubber design I'm working on for my 20g?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gemmy http:///t/389090/new-algae-scrubber#post_3436552
I have a dumb question. Can possibly post a pic of the barbed hose fitting? And where would one find one?
No questions are dumb, here are two different type the black one is a 1-1/2" barb to 1-1/2" NPT (pipe thread) the other is a 1/2" to 1/2" elbow. The are available at Home Depot.