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turf algea scrubber

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by tomAtk, Feb 28, 2011.

  1. Feb 28, 2011 #1
    tomAtk

    tomAtk Inactive User

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    well i just built my turf algea scrubber now the question is what lights should i use, ive got great flow to it and some temporary lights but was just wondering what is recommended. something not to expensive. and also what light intensity?
     
  2. Feb 28, 2011 #2
    shepone24

    shepone24

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    I just have been using two clipons ($6 each) with 40w bulbs and 3500k($3 ea) and my DIY scrubber has eliminated any and all algae I had in my tank in under a week of use.
     
  3. Feb 28, 2011 #3
    tomAtk

    tomAtk Inactive User

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    right now i have just some flourescent lights on one side for the time being. are you just running 2 on 1 side or one on each side i plan on doing both sides with probably 2 clip ons per side to make sure i really light the whole area
     
  4. Feb 28, 2011 #4
    shepone24

    shepone24

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    I have one on each side, screen size fo 8 by 11. It cleaned up my 90 Gal easily. Any thing more might be a waste of energy and money.
     
  5. Feb 28, 2011 #5
    shepone24

    shepone24

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    Also, did you rough up the screen?
     
  6. Feb 28, 2011 #6
    tomAtk

    tomAtk Inactive User

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    yea i roughed it up with a hole saw, seems to be pretty rough
     
  7. Feb 28, 2011 #7
    Bud West Des Moines, IA

    Bud Loves Bacon Website Team Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member Vendor

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    Post a few pics if you can, it might help to see what your setup looks like then give you some feedback on what lights might be best.
    EDIT: Oops I forgot to ask - are those CFLs the 40W equivalent, or do they actually consume 40W?  If you look at post # 319 on the "Algae Scrubber Basics" thread on RC
    http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1977420
    This is what you want to be using - 23W actual (100W equivalent) and 2700K temp.  If you're using the 40W actual, that's going to be too hot and will burn the algae in front of the lamp.  If it's 40W equivalent, you're not going to get very good growth.
     
  8. Feb 28, 2011 #8
    tomAtk

    tomAtk Inactive User

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    that's what i was figuring was the 23 actual and 100 watt equivalent,the design is similar to the one you have at the dentist office just not as nice, i enclosed the screen in acrylic to avoid splash, i just dont want to have to spend the money on retrofit so that's why i was thinking the cfl's just was wondering how many i need per side i was gonna do 2.
     
  9. Feb 28, 2011 #9
    Bud West Des Moines, IA

    Bud Loves Bacon Website Team Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member Vendor

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    If you have 8x11=90 for a 90 gallon you'd want 90 watts of CFL I think. So 2 x 23 per side = 92 that would be just about right.
     
  10. Feb 28, 2011 #10
    tomAtk

    tomAtk Inactive User

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    i do have a 90 but i also have a 55 gal sump so what do i use for that or do i not include the sump, i did the screen 13x11 to include the sump volume also
     

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