Turf Algae Scrubber Lamp???

Discussion in 'Algae' started by Kaianuanu, May 4, 2011.

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  1. Kaianuanu

    Kaianuanu Peppermint Shrimp

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    I have built a turf algae scrubber and im about to start it with a 5000k, 27w CFL. But I need to know the optimal kelvin rating for the turf algae.
     
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  3. mikejrice

    mikejrice 3reef Affiliate

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    Daylight 6700k is the best.
     
  4. khowst

    khowst Bangghai Cardinal

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    I use a 5k (vertical scrubber with a bulb on each side). I tried higher K bulbs, but I couldnt get a good placement where it made happy growth. I was either too far back & I didnt get an even spread, or too close close and I wouldnt get good growth in the center from too much light. I enclosed my scrubber to reduce noise & evaporation and that layer of plexi in between the light & the algae no doubt played a part in that.
     
  5. milkman

    milkman Plankton

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    I use 6500k CFL that I get in a twin pack from Lowes for about $7
     
  6. bioreefdude

    bioreefdude Fu Manchu Lion Fish

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    1+ 6500k on both sided and close as u can get them
     
  7. scott26

    scott26 Ritteri Anemone

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    To do it correctly you need to get 2700K rated bulbs and mount them 4" away from each side of the screen.
     
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  9. khowst

    khowst Bangghai Cardinal

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    Thats not necessarily a final answer bulletproof true statement. The bulb K rating will vary with distance from the screen. I know there is one model being marketed that runs T-5 bulbs about an inch and a half from the screen, and that is from a very reputable person in the ATS community. I have tried different bulbs & distance, and I think I am now about about 5" +/- with 6500k bulbs and things are working wonderfully.
     
  10. reefmonkey

    reefmonkey Giant Squid

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    +2 Best bulbs going for this type of use IMO.
     
  11. scott26

    scott26 Ritteri Anemone

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    I don't suppose you have a thread with you scrubber up?
     
  12. khowst

    khowst Bangghai Cardinal

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    No. At the moment I dont have a build thread up. I made it before learning the value of online forums in this hobby. Once I get the kids in school though I am looking at redesigning my sump & ATS. At the moment my water flow runs Overflow--> ATS --> Sump --> skimmer --> refuge -->return. Because of the pump power (mag 9.5) I have a Y branch with part going returned to the tank & part looping back onto into the sump. I am thinking I will redo my sump with my return pump in the middle, using the Y return with one line returning the DT and the second branch line feeding my ATS in turn feeding into my fuge. I think this will work more effectively plus I need to redo the glueing of my baffles in the sump. I think this route will give me more overall turn over in the DT and allow me more flexible water adjustment to the ATS. (and be all around alittle quieter).