My Algae Scrubber Experience

[pterfloth]

Originally Posted by reefwars

brown algae is now covering up the mesh i imagine in a few days ill be ready to clean it a bit and it should grow back even faster

The brown algae is the normal start. Looks like you are on your way! I didn't have any green until the end of my second week.

[pirate]

Originally Posted by jagermaier

What if I were to run the screens down the inside walls of my display tank overflow. It gets plenty of light from my main light and seems like I have some growing in there already anyways. Would that be a good idea or not?

I was thinking the same thing. So has anybody tried it this way yet? Or will I be the first?

[reefwars]

Originally Posted by pirate

I was thinking the same thing. So has anybody tried it this way yet? Or will I be the first?

algae will grow if theres nutrients and light, the idea is to get as much growth as possible. in the link above its recommended to keep the lights 4" away and 20hrs on and 4 hrs off. i have my refugium light only 12" away but i didnt think it would be strong enough to get the full effect so i now have 2 lights on the ats alone both 4" from the surface.

[lastlight]

Originally Posted by reefwars

18hrs on and 4 hrs off

That's a total of 22 hrs just a really friendly heads up =)

*cough*mvp*cough*

[reefwars]

Originally Posted by lastlight

That's a total of 22 hrs just a really friendly heads up =)

*cough*mvp*cough*

thanks brett aka MVP


sorry yes 20 and 4 lol pp

[reefwars]

Originally Posted by lastlight

That's a total of 22 hrs just a really friendly heads up =)

*cough*mvp*cough*

sorry what i meant to say is that for 2 hrs a day it just completely dissapears into thin air

[Proteus]

Why nOt just run 24 hrs. Your not saving anything buy 4 hours darkness

[reefwars]

Originally Posted by Titus99

Why nOt just run 24 hrs. Your not saving anything buy 4 hours darkness

this should have all the answers to frequently asked questions.

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/AlgScrubUpdateBry.htm

[Proteus]

Ya k I read about the lighting but the answer does not really support anything

It says that the algea needs rest and will burn on 24. Hr light. Also stated that it filters at night.

I'm no expert but a master gardener coarse and 10 years with horticulture as a hobby. Would lead me to Question there answer

Any plant in a vegitive state does not show any degregation from 24 hour light. Along with increased growth come taking more nutrients out of the water.

Unless it changes water chemistry

[reefwars]

Originally Posted by Titus99

Ya k I read about the lighting but the answer does not really support anything

It says that the algea needs rest and will burn on 24. Hr light. Also stated that it filters at night.

I'm no expert but a master gardener coarse and 10 years with horticulture as a hobby. Would lead me to Question there answer

Any plant in a vegitive state does not show any degregation from 24 hour light. Along with increased growth come taking more nutrients out of the water.

Unless it changes water chemistry

by all means run them 24hrs if thats what floats your boat lol p