Freshwater Scubber

[walleyefisher]

I shot a short video of my algae scrubber after 15 days. I'm seeing a dark algae growth around the outside of the screen. I feed about 1 - 1 1/2 cubes a day and run the lights 9hrs a day. I think I may need to cut back exposure time but looking for any thoughts or recommendations to get me to the green turf stuff.

Thanks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enq7vE_fWY0&feature=plcp

[kerry]

I would clean it to prevent the algae from falling off. It will start filling in. The FW does not grow algae like the SW. The FW is very long and stringy so be sure to check it every now and then when the algae does start to grow long to prevent a blocked drain. The first couple to few cleanings is normal to get brown algae. I would not cut the hours on the light back any just yet. Let it mature and take action then, thats just my opinion maybe someone else has a different view.

[walleyefisher]

Took a picture of my screen today. The algae growth is dark and thin, no worries of it falling off. However, I did clean it and put it back. Hopefully I'll start seeing some green stuff in a few more weeks.

[SantaMonica]

Diffusing the light might help.

[Floyd R Turbo]

He's got one of my L2s with the diffuser already (see the video at 0:30)

[kerry]

I think it will fill in. I also have some of my LED's with a double diffuser so maybe if it does not fill in this is an option.

[Floyd R Turbo]

I suggested that he put a small piece of plain masking tape over the diffuser right in front of the blue LED. The thought process being that this would knock down the overall intensity right in front of the blue (since there is a red above and below it) but the diffuser would spread the blue around to the rest of the screen still. I might start adding this to future L2's, and then it can be removed once the screen is mature.

[walleyefisher]

5 days after cleaning and I think I may need to do the masking tape on the diffuser. While I do think its filling in some, I dont think its optimal. Anyways, I still have lots of slimy brown algae growing on the screen and my N level was at about 80ppm. I since have done some daily water changes to get it down into the 20-30 range. Anyways here's the pic

[kerry]

Its better but the tape might be needed.

[walleyefisher]

Here is after cleaning and another 6 days. Middle has almost filled in and I'm hoping to see some green algae some day