The new Upflow Algae Scrubber (UAS)

[Floyd R Turbo]

SM, could you maybe start a thread that links to all the other sites where you have posted the UAS threads?

[SantaMonica]

Probably not a good idea, since it makes it easy for the haters.

[jacob.morgan78]

Would haters not make it easier to track progress and make improvements? Or would they be too big of a PITA?

[SantaMonica]

Pain.

[spideybry]

So I was thinking of a way to create some sort of way to force more bubble contact with the screen. I was debating on using an acrylic build kind of what someone else built, but my acrylic isn't my forte.

A modified version of that is what I will be making. Ideally creating a U out of the mesh with a choke point to force the bubbles closer to the screen will promote more algae growth, and is simple enough for any one to make. I also plan on putting some sort of blocker so light doesn't get to the U part or the air stone. Before I make it, I want to experiment with other ideas of catching bubbles onto the net, but I have no idea where to even start with something like that.

Thoughts and comments appreciated.

[MorganAtlanta]

Just make the U out of solid/black/opaque plastic and you don't need the light blocker. It should be easy to bend a piece up, even if acrylic isn't your forte. Spend $2 on a plastic clipboard from Walmart and give it a try. You might be able to find flexible solid/opaque plastic-- maybe flexible cutting board material or shelf liners.

[spideybry]

Just make the U out of solid/black/opaque plastic and you don't need the light blocker. It should be easy to bend a piece up, even if acrylic isn't your forte. Spend $2 on a plastic clipboard from Walmart and give it a try. You might be able to find flexible solid/opaque plastic-- maybe flexible cutting board material or shelf liners.

Hmm one of these? I don't really have a blow torch lol. I guess I can try to use a blow dryer. I will go to Walmart today and see what I can find.

[MorganAtlanta]

Give it a try. You'll only be in for a couple bucks.

A hair dryer might work, and like wise I've heard of people using curling irons, regular irons or just heating in the oven to 300f.

[jnad]

You can try one of them black flexible cutting board for use in the kitchen.

[spideybry]

I wound up not using the U, just because there is not enough space to make it efficient with the water level I have to work with. I will just wind up cleaning the air stones regularly. This is something that would work great in a sump though.

Here is a video of the scrubber before getting rid of the slotted pipe (was debating on doing both for a while till I cut myself and got pissed at it lol).
http://youtu.be/nS8XdWh6AjI


Here is after I got rid of the slotted pipe, and added another air stone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fNvm29LzaY