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Thread: Analyze scrubber, not working as expected

  1. #1

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    Analyze scrubber, not working as expected

    Please analyze my scrubber pictures, I’m not getting the results I was hoping for and am not entirely sure what I’m doing wrong. I don’t have any algae other than the film on the glass in my display, but I can’t get rid of the hair algae in my prop tank. I have a MSX 250 skimmer and run GFO/Carbon 24/7 on a 95g tank.

    I’m using a mag5 pump so I think I’m good on flow, using these bulbs
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001WA ... ss_product

    Screen is 12” wide. I have one side that’s just sandpaper roughed up(might need to clean this side better?). It was my initial screen from about 6 months ago. About 4-5 weeks ago I added a screen that I roughed up using a hole saw. I was hoping I would have seen some better results by now. First three pics are the new rough side, second set of 3 pics is the smoother old screen.


    Rough dirty screen


    Rough side after cleaning


    Rough side after cleaning, running in my sump



    Smoother side dirty



    Smoother side after cleaning


    Smoother side, running in my sump

  2. #2
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    Re: Analyze scrubber, not working as expected

    Your light is too close/strong for how much flow you have. Or, you are not turning it off for 6 hours.

    Also, clean all of that stuff off.

  3. #3

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    Re: Analyze scrubber, not working as expected

    Sounds good, I will back them up a couple inches and re-clean tonight.

  4. #4

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    Re: Analyze scrubber, not working as expected

    Hmm funny, mine look nearly the same... I guess my lights are too close also Since the light look the same (spot like)

  5. #5

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    Re: Analyze scrubber, not working as expected

    I made the same mistake at first, as well. I could see the characteristic ring of photoinhibition and subsequent oxidation of algal cells. Kinda like a big yellow ring in the middle, surrounded by lush growth.

  6. #6
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    Re: Analyze scrubber, not working as expected

    If your screen is very rough, then extra flow is the preferred fix. If not, less light will do.

  7. #7

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    Re: Analyze scrubber, not working as expected

    I actually just realized my timer was stuck on so the algae wasn't getting a 6 hour break!! Hope I see new growth/changes soon!

  8. #8

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    Re: Analyze scrubber, not working as expected

    Here are some updated pictures. I moved the lights back two inches and waited two days to clean. I think I need to widen my slot so flow is more even. How am I looking?

    Dirty Rougher side, this side seem to be getting less flow than the other side.


    Dirty smoother side


    Clean rougher side


    Clean smoother side, this redish hair type algae is SUPER tough to remove from the screen!!

  9. #9
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    Re: Analyze scrubber, not working as expected

    Do you really need the tape on the pipe? I think it's reducing your flow. Yes you need more flow... you can see white areas on the screen that get no flow. Having low flow is the same as having too much light. So work on getting a rapid water fall on both sides.

    Growth seems much better... is certainly doing some filtering now, but could probably filter twice as much.

  10. #10

    Re: Analyze scrubber, not working as expected

    I have other kind of alga on the screen. that is brown and no completely covers the screen after 5-6 days. i have a 3,200 kelvin flouerescent 43 watts at 3 inches of the screen.

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