Algal turf scrubber: any experience with this?

[Doug]

Originally Posted by johnny rock

hmmm wouldn't run out and build one just yet. theres a reason they went the way of the dinos. apperently they try'd a test at some university with reef tanks and scrubbers. they could never get nitrates down to decent levels. skimmers also supply mucho o2 which is really needed for many many reasons. I'd like nothing better than NOT to have a skimmer but I think its very needed.

Hi Johnny;
Where did you find that info? I have seen near every turf scrubber thread in recent years and never seen that stated. There are at least 3 lonh threads on RC, with lost of pics and the such.

If anything, I would say they are very efficient in the removal of nitrates, plus ammonia, nitrite, phosphate and some heavy metals.

However IMO, the scrubber screen size is under rated, I suppose somewhat like skimmers. Mine was the large unit, once made by Inland Aquatics. It retailed at near $800 Canadian, but it was a beautiful looking unit, to sit at top of your tank.

In the 4yrs. of my use, I have found it to be very helpful with the filtration, but on my larger tanks, with my heavy feeding, I have not had success without a skimmer also.