Do i need a algae scrubber/do they work

DO ALGAE SRUBBERS REALLY WORK IF I HAVE ALGAE SHOULD I USE ONE OR DO I NOT NEED IT TO CONTROL ALGAE AND IF THEY ARE SO GOOD WHY ONLY A FEW PEOPLE USE THEM???????????????

 

According to what I have read, they do work. But then, so do phosban reactors and refugiums with macroalgae. They all try to do the same thing of removing phosphates and other nutrients from the tank so that algae does not grow.

 

Algae acrubbers can work to what they claim as far as you can:
1. Have the right knowledge to build, setup and control it (flow rate, lighting and the right kind of turf algae)
2. The space (they also need space to breath) and diy skill to handle it
3. Be prepared to tackle with environmental issues ( salt splash, noise )
4. The right design

That is why they are not that popular among hobbyists.

In case you are concern or is having algae problem, I would suggest to look further into your existing setup, bio load, water chemisrty and maintenance protocal to address /prevent the problem form the ground up.

Cheers

 

ya what jjk said
my bad

 

thanks everyone i was just cuirous a phosban reactor i thin is cheaper and i dont really like to clutter my filter area i tryi to keep that area clean so matinance is faster and more accurate

 

I think he is talking about the algae scrubber filter....not a mag float.;D

 

ATS work really well, easy to build, easy to maintain. Just take some time to do some research and build what you need. http://www.algaeturfscrubber.net has some good info on designs as well as building. SantaMonica has helped some users here to design and build them, send him a PM if you have any questions.

Dont know if you've seen this thread here, but theres a full build of a simple ATS on this thread: http://www.3reef.com/forums/i-made/...eplaces-skimmer-refugium-everythin-51120.html

 

A phosban reactor is not an exact substitute for algae filtration, whether you mean doing it via refugium, or through the system advocated by Santa Monica. Algae consumes both nitrate and phosphate, phosban only does phosphate. while you can limit one nutrient to cut back algae growth, nutrient imbalances can lead to chronic free nitrate problems.