UAS LED Algae Scrubber build
- Thread starter marvelfan
- Start date
marvelfan
Member
Soldered up the driver to my power cord and ran some tests as 2Quills suggested.
VDC = 48V
Amps AC (using red lead in the 10A input of the meter) = 0.71 A (710 mA)
So it looks like the power supply is working as expected.
I checked the conductivity of each LED, and all of them gave tone. That is a positive.
I just used thermal adhesive to attach them to my heatsinks. I than tested the conductivity between each LED + and - contact the heatsink itself. No tone, so that is good as well.
Once the thermal paste is dry I'll continue to hook them up and then do a conductivity test on the string of 8 LED's.
VDC = 48V
Amps AC (using red lead in the 10A input of the meter) = 0.71 A (710 mA)
So it looks like the power supply is working as expected.
I checked the conductivity of each LED, and all of them gave tone. That is a positive.
I just used thermal adhesive to attach them to my heatsinks. I than tested the conductivity between each LED + and - contact the heatsink itself. No tone, so that is good as well.
Once the thermal paste is dry I'll continue to hook them up and then do a conductivity test on the string of 8 LED's.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Looks great! What's the next step?
marvelfan
Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/393850/uas-led-algae-scrubber-build/20#post_3510774
Looks great! What's the next step?
I have everything I need now, just need to assemble it all. I have to:
[list type=decimal]
[*]
Cut the screen
[*]
Rough the screen
[*]
Cut the holes in the boxes for the LED's
[*]
Drill the heaksinks (to attach them to the box)
[*]
Attach the heatsink/LED's to the box
Attach the air stone to the bottom of the screen box.
Mount the screen in the screen box
Mount to my sump.
Test the air pump to make sure I'm receiving the proper liters per minute
[/list type=decimal]
Much to do, but its all coming along. I'm looking forward to playing with it. My LED's are going to be about 2" from the screen. The LED's are not on a dimmer, so I hope they are not too intense. if they are I'll need to modify the outside LED box to make it deeper.
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/393850/uas-led-algae-scrubber-build/20#post_3510774
Looks great! What's the next step?
I have everything I need now, just need to assemble it all. I have to:
[list type=decimal]
[*]
Cut the screen
[*]
Rough the screen
[*]
Cut the holes in the boxes for the LED's
[*]
Drill the heaksinks (to attach them to the box)
[*]
Attach the heatsink/LED's to the box
Attach the air stone to the bottom of the screen box.
Mount the screen in the screen box
Mount to my sump.
Test the air pump to make sure I'm receiving the proper liters per minute
[/list type=decimal]
Much to do, but its all coming along. I'm looking forward to playing with it. My LED's are going to be about 2" from the screen. The LED's are not on a dimmer, so I hope they are not too intense. if they are I'll need to modify the outside LED box to make it deeper.
marvelfan
Member
So, i mounted all the lights in my box. I went to plug it in and test it and it worked great. Only problem was that the box needs another coat of paint. So I removed all the LED's. After I took them all off I went to test it again (to show a friend that was over). I plugged them in and nothing. check all the connections and everything seemed fine. Got out the meter and i have conductivity.
After a visual inspection I found that on of the glass bulbs over the diode of one of the red LED's is missing. I took it out of the chain and now they work, but I'm an LED down.
I did a conductivity check on the LED and it is fine. I didn't burn out. But it won't light up. Anyone know if there is a way to fix this LED? Can I replace glass seal over it some how? I know its just a $4 LED, but I"m more curious then anything.
I'll still be able to run the scrubber with the 7 LED's for now, and throw the other one in later.
After a visual inspection I found that on of the glass bulbs over the diode of one of the red LED's is missing. I took it out of the chain and now they work, but I'm an LED down.
I did a conductivity check on the LED and it is fine. I didn't burn out. But it won't light up. Anyone know if there is a way to fix this LED? Can I replace glass seal over it some how? I know its just a $4 LED, but I"m more curious then anything.
I'll still be able to run the scrubber with the 7 LED's for now, and throw the other one in later.
chevyrulzs2010
Member
Well its been a while since I have logged on and posted. Mainly because it kills me every time I log in I get the itch to start my aquarium. However I know that its not the best time in life to start one. Anywho, maybe I have been out of the loop just long enough to miss the change in design of scrubbers but this is sure an interesting one. I do like the light source on the out side of the tank. However what has me confused is that how I interpret the diagram, you are submersing the scrubber in the sump? Im assuming the airstone is to provide the oxygen the algae needs to do its work? Every scrubber i have seen is a trickle down design. Not trying to steal this thread or go off topic but this just seems like a revolutionary design. I would like to learn more about the theory of it vs the (older?) style trickle down. I will surely have to follow this thread to see how this works for you.
PS
Its great to see the dynamic duo, acrylic51 and 2quills chiming in on this thread.
marvelfan
Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by chevyrulzs2010 http:///t/393850/uas-led-algae-scrubber-build/20#post_3511322
Well its been a while since I have logged on and posted. Mainly because it kills me every time I log in I get the itch to start my aquarium. However I know that its not the best time in life to start one. Anywho, maybe I have been out of the loop just long enough to miss the change in design of scrubbers but this is sure an interesting one. I do like the light source on the out side of the tank. However what has me confused is that how I interpret the diagram, you are submersing the scrubber in the sump? Im assuming the airstone is to provide the oxygen the algae needs to do its work? Every scrubber i have seen is a trickle down design. Not trying to steal this thread or go off topic but this just seems like a revolutionary design. I would like to learn more about the theory of it vs the (older?) style trickle down. I will surely have to follow this thread to see how this works for you.
PS
Its great to see the dynamic duo, acrylic51 and 2quills chiming in on this thread.
Santa Monica on the algae scrubber site seems to be the one to have introduced it, and the members testimonials and builds over there seem to show good results. It basically works exactly like the trickle down scrubber, just reverse the elements, instead of introducing water across the air-surrounded mesh, you introduce air to a water-surrounded mesh. I'm looking forward to getting it completed, but I've just been so busy this last week or so. Hopefully this weekend I can finish it up.
Originally Posted by chevyrulzs2010 http:///t/393850/uas-led-algae-scrubber-build/20#post_3511322
Well its been a while since I have logged on and posted. Mainly because it kills me every time I log in I get the itch to start my aquarium. However I know that its not the best time in life to start one. Anywho, maybe I have been out of the loop just long enough to miss the change in design of scrubbers but this is sure an interesting one. I do like the light source on the out side of the tank. However what has me confused is that how I interpret the diagram, you are submersing the scrubber in the sump? Im assuming the airstone is to provide the oxygen the algae needs to do its work? Every scrubber i have seen is a trickle down design. Not trying to steal this thread or go off topic but this just seems like a revolutionary design. I would like to learn more about the theory of it vs the (older?) style trickle down. I will surely have to follow this thread to see how this works for you.
PS
Its great to see the dynamic duo, acrylic51 and 2quills chiming in on this thread.
Santa Monica on the algae scrubber site seems to be the one to have introduced it, and the members testimonials and builds over there seem to show good results. It basically works exactly like the trickle down scrubber, just reverse the elements, instead of introducing water across the air-surrounded mesh, you introduce air to a water-surrounded mesh. I'm looking forward to getting it completed, but I've just been so busy this last week or so. Hopefully this weekend I can finish it up.
marvelfan
Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///t/393850/uas-led-algae-scrubber-build/20#post_3511403
Anxious to see it as well.... Not to sure if it was SantaMonica that did conceive the actually idea of the up flow scrubber.... I thought someone suggested the design or concept to him??? Could be wrong!!!
You could be right.
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///t/393850/uas-led-algae-scrubber-build/20#post_3511403
Anxious to see it as well.... Not to sure if it was SantaMonica that did conceive the actually idea of the up flow scrubber.... I thought someone suggested the design or concept to him??? Could be wrong!!!
You could be right.
2quills
Well-Known Member
I haven't been following what is happening over on the scrubber lately since these new designs have hit the scene. Are there indications out there that might suggest that these up-flow designs are actually producing better growth than the old designs or is this concept more about size and room constraints of running a more traditional/modern scrubber?
acrylic51
Active Member
I had been following over on the scrubber site, and remember or think I did somebody that had played with it, and then that's how it all became about with SantaMonica tweaking it.....My memory could be off, but I'm pretty sure.....I think some had to do with production of the units.....Basically it eliminated a lot of the guess work with the even flow over the screen, and I think it did alleviate some of space constraints and possibly mess issue with the down flow design.......
marvelfan
Member
I installed mine last night. I need to put a stronger air pump on the stone, but I have it running. I'll post some pics later. I'll also post the growth I see. Don't expect too much at first and I'll have to tweak as I go. I may be surprised. My dry rock and sand bad is starting to finally accumulate algae now that my lights have been running a couple weeks. I'm in need of expanding my CUC, but I'm holding off since I'm curious to see what the scrubber can do over the next couple weeks to a month. It will be a good test.
desertdawg
Member
i'm really interested in seeing your results.
I've been running a 2 sided 8x12 screen with 40w CFL bulbs in reflectors for over 2 years now, It's worked great but I need to completely redo my 30 gallon rubbermaid sump for more flow.
If this work for you I may have to get rid of the rubbermaid since it's not transparent..... I hate that thought because it's been so easy and reliable...
Any ideas on how to get a transparent side in a rubbermaid tub???
I've been running a 2 sided 8x12 screen with 40w CFL bulbs in reflectors for over 2 years now, It's worked great but I need to completely redo my 30 gallon rubbermaid sump for more flow.
If this work for you I may have to get rid of the rubbermaid since it's not transparent..... I hate that thought because it's been so easy and reliable...
Any ideas on how to get a transparent side in a rubbermaid tub???
marvelfan
Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Desertdawg http:///t/393850/uas-led-algae-scrubber-build/20#post_3511804
i'm really interested in seeing your results.
I've been running a 2 sided 8x12 screen with 40w CFL bulbs in reflectors for over 2 years now, It's worked great but I need to completely redo my 30 gallon rubbermaid sump for more flow.
If this work for you I may have to get rid of the rubbermaid since it's not transparent..... I hate that thought because it's been so easy and reliable...
Any ideas on how to get a transparent side in a rubbermaid tub???
I guess you could cut a window in the tubs side and then seal a piece of acrylic using epoxy or solvent. Not sure its a practical idea or not, but that is all I could really picture.
Originally Posted by Desertdawg http:///t/393850/uas-led-algae-scrubber-build/20#post_3511804
i'm really interested in seeing your results.
I've been running a 2 sided 8x12 screen with 40w CFL bulbs in reflectors for over 2 years now, It's worked great but I need to completely redo my 30 gallon rubbermaid sump for more flow.
If this work for you I may have to get rid of the rubbermaid since it's not transparent..... I hate that thought because it's been so easy and reliable...
Any ideas on how to get a transparent side in a rubbermaid tub???
I guess you could cut a window in the tubs side and then seal a piece of acrylic using epoxy or solvent. Not sure its a practical idea or not, but that is all I could really picture.
desertdawg
Member
But the tub sides are flexible. I don't think it will stay sealed.
I was thinking of a slim box the size of the light, drop the light in and secure the screen to the outside, drop it in the tub and Taa Daa!!!
Only problem would be forcing the water tight box into the water and keeping it from floating up....
Sorry, didn't mean to take your thread off topic.
I was thinking of a slim box the size of the light, drop the light in and secure the screen to the outside, drop it in the tub and Taa Daa!!!
Only problem would be forcing the water tight box into the water and keeping it from floating up....
Sorry, didn't mean to take your thread off topic.
marvelfan
Member
I've been posting on the algae scrubber site trying to get some answers. I got some things figured out, but I'm still waiting on the others.
I read I was to run my lights 12 hours on and 12 hours off.
The first day I didn't have it on a timer and ran it 24 hours. I just hooked it up to my controller last night and it should be on a 12 on / 12 off cycle now.
No growth showing yet.
my questions are:
1. When is the best time to run the light (Opposite display lights or together) - I would think that running opposite display lights would be better for controlling pH swings, like a fuge (Which I currently do not have on this system).
2. Do you run the air pump 24/7 or does it go off with the lights (currently i'm running it 24/7)
3. I'm currently running an undersized skimmer and a dual GFO/Carbon Reactor. Will GFO compete with the scrubber? SantaMonica and Floyd told me that the GFO Reactor will compete with the scrubber. So my plan is to run dual carbon and remove GFO for the time being.
4. Should I run my skimmer with the UAS? I was planning to run my skimmer until the scrubber was established and then take the skimmer offline and monitor my tank parameters to see if there was any differences. For now i'm keeping the skimmer running.
I noticed over the last week a real bloom in brown algae on my rocks. Of course this is since I added livestock, feeding and lights, so its expected. Sand is all brown too. My goby is trying to keep up! I was hoping the scrubber may clean all this up in the next 3-6 weeks.
I read I was to run my lights 12 hours on and 12 hours off.
The first day I didn't have it on a timer and ran it 24 hours. I just hooked it up to my controller last night and it should be on a 12 on / 12 off cycle now.
No growth showing yet.
my questions are:
1. When is the best time to run the light (Opposite display lights or together) - I would think that running opposite display lights would be better for controlling pH swings, like a fuge (Which I currently do not have on this system).
2. Do you run the air pump 24/7 or does it go off with the lights (currently i'm running it 24/7)
3. I'm currently running an undersized skimmer and a dual GFO/Carbon Reactor. Will GFO compete with the scrubber? SantaMonica and Floyd told me that the GFO Reactor will compete with the scrubber. So my plan is to run dual carbon and remove GFO for the time being.
4. Should I run my skimmer with the UAS? I was planning to run my skimmer until the scrubber was established and then take the skimmer offline and monitor my tank parameters to see if there was any differences. For now i'm keeping the skimmer running.
I noticed over the last week a real bloom in brown algae on my rocks. Of course this is since I added livestock, feeding and lights, so its expected. Sand is all brown too. My goby is trying to keep up! I was hoping the scrubber may clean all this up in the next 3-6 weeks.
desertdawg
Member
No growth showing yet.- Can you seed it or just be patient, if you build it, it will grow!!! lol
1. When is the best time to run the light (Opposite display lights or together) - Yes opposite is best, I still use the 18on/6off cycle.
2. Do you run the air pump 24/7 - I wouild think you should run it 24/7
3.& 4 I'm currently running an undersized skimmer and a dual GFO/Carbon Reactor. - I'm running an undersized skimmer and GFO also, I still scrape about 1cup or more off my screen every 10 to 14 days, I have zero algea in my display, I would say keep it all running for now, you can try dropping off 1 item at a time to see how your system reacts but let the UAS get established first.
1. When is the best time to run the light (Opposite display lights or together) - Yes opposite is best, I still use the 18on/6off cycle.
2. Do you run the air pump 24/7 - I wouild think you should run it 24/7
3.& 4 I'm currently running an undersized skimmer and a dual GFO/Carbon Reactor. - I'm running an undersized skimmer and GFO also, I still scrape about 1cup or more off my screen every 10 to 14 days, I have zero algea in my display, I would say keep it all running for now, you can try dropping off 1 item at a time to see how your system reacts but let the UAS get established first.