Final design

[silverwolf72]

I been playing with different designs over the last couple of months, I think I'm staying with this one.
This is after 2 weeks
Using 5050 SMD LEDs from super bright 20 625nm Red and 4 470nm Blue per side
feeding is 2 cubes and screen is 6 x 8 fed from overflow
I just added an air stone inside the feed tube, see if that helps any

http://algaescrubber.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4283&d=1368317534

http://algaescrubber.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4286&d=1368317534

http://algaescrubber.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4285&d=1368317534

http://algaescrubber.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4284&d=1368317534

Scrapings from 1 side of screen

http://algaescrubber.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4287&d=1368317534

[itzrulez]

where did you bought these leds?

[silverwolf72]

Superbrightleds

I realized after posting that this growth is not actually correct. I just added the strip LEDs Tuesday, so I now have twice the amount of LEDS so growth should be better in the coming week.

[silverwolf72]

One week growth after a full cleaning
Starting to get some 3D growth also the growth seems stronger in front of the blue LEDs in the middle
http://algaescrubber.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4378&d=1369718277

Side Angle
http://algaescrubber.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4379&d=1369718279

Different type of growth, much stiffer than the rest
http://algaescrubber.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4380&d=1369718279

[SantaMonica]

Very nice

[silverwolf72]

Just some updates

Had to use a metal spatula to scrape the algae off the screen
Nice dark green and strongly attached

Weeks growth
http://algaescrubber.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4443&d=1371088970

I'm only doing one side at a time every other week

http://algaescrubber.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4442&d=1371088968

I think this is turf but not really sure
http://algaescrubber.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4441&d=1371088966

[SantaMonica]

My terminology is that turf is reddish-brown with almost no water; so no that would not be turf. It would be better (for filtering).

[silverwolf72]

Okay an idea what it is? Feels like rubber mat and is harder to scrape off then the GHA

[SantaMonica]

Is just thick gha. Probably has a lot of Ulva Fasciata in it.

[kotlec]

And you dont even need 660ters ...

[silverwolf72]

After doing a little more looking around, looks freakin close to this
Cladophoropsis herpestica
http://www.saltcorner.com/AquariumLibrary/browsespecies.php?CritterID=2022

Never seen this stuff growing in my tank then BAM something new growing in my ATS
I find algae amazing, it just seems come from out of no where

[SantaMonica]

Almost all types of algae spores are in every tank. Whether they multiply or not depends on nutrients, flow, lighting, and attachment.

[vm70]

I'm also considering using a led strip. My intention is to split it in small pieces and glue them side-by-side on acrylic support.My strip is IP68, and I'd like to use it uncovered, very close to the screen. However, I' m not sure:
1. how to strip the insulation from the copper electrical contacts at the cuttings ends
2. How to re- apply insulation after connecting them i by wires

Do you have any advice or pictures?

Thanks,
Val

[alexiumihai]

hello,
i just started a led ats using 5050 led strip http://algaescrubber.net/forums/showthread.php?2392-New-Scrubber-please-coment/page3
some tips for led strips
- the glue on the back is bad and the strip will come off easily, so make another way to hold them.
- the strips will be slightly hot, so in the first week will smell funny, it you glue them with silicon they will smell very bad.
my recommendation is to use regular strips not waterproof, and make something to waterproof them
in the middle if you want you can use RGB strip to turn on the blue and red.

[vm70]

Thanks for the info!
My strip has each LED in three colors(RGB). Did anyone consider an automated sequencing of each color(or maybe only R and B, like 5 seconds red and 1 blue), to get an uniform full spectrum ?
It's easier to implement that mixing alternated R and B LEDs in a matrix, and also produces an uniform exposure of the screen to both R and B(for low-power LED strips , being so close to the screen, each LED color covers only a small area).

[Bacon]

Do you have an update on this scrubber? I'm interested in how the 5050 type LEDs are working out for you

[marcio mig]

Any friend have another results? Really i have my doubt about this leds modules... now i'm working a new design for algae scrubber and i think use this modules red and blue . The new projet has more slim more pratice and the the electrical stay out of water...:rolleyes:

[Crusinjimbo]

Red (660nm) are apparently the most productive in producing algae. I started with fluorescents and switched to LEDs, no comparison in terms of production. LEDs also take a lot less space and are easier to use in tight places. I think almost any light will grow algae to a degree but the red LEDs are more efficient and productive.

[marcio mig]

So CrusinJimbo really the leds 660 is a better way to gronw algae my doubt is the Smd module 5050 the supplier not specify if this one is or no in 660 and this module have a better price ( in Brazil ) here this hardware is very expancive...

[Bacon]

You can order 660s directly from Steve's LEDs, they ship internationally. And you would get good quality LEDs. I don't have faith in the 5050 SMDs

[marcio mig]

So CrusinJimbo really the leds 660 is a better way to gronw algae my doubt is the Smd module 5050 the supplier not specify if this one is or no in 660 and this module have a better price ( in Brazil ) here this hardware is very expancive...

[Crusinjimbo]

I have grown great algae with fluorescent bulbs but the space they consume was a problem in my space restricted sump. The LEDs generate little or no heat, can be configured in almost any design and just grow more algae, in my case anyway. My ATS is one-sided 11" x 5" (l x w) slanted screen (25 degrees) fed by a ML900 pump and lit by 27 1 watt LEDs (24 Red and 3 Blue). My NO3 is undetectable and I over feed (2 cubes + 2 pinches dry + 4 square inches nori daily). My setup is underpowered by today light intensity standards but I believe my water contact compensates for it somewhat, not sure.

[juliovideo]

Just some updates

Had to use a metal spatula to scrape the algae off the screen
Nice dark green and strongly attached

Weeks growth
http://algaescrubber.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4443&d=1371088970

I'm only doing one side at a time every other week

http://algaescrubber.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4442&d=1371088968

I think this is turf but not really sure
http://algaescrubber.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4441&d=1371088966


Everything looks good . Congratulation !!