Hello!
Im Juan froma rgentina.
Ive tried building a couple scrubbers in the past, with mixed results, problems generally being pipe-clogging, screen too flimsy (could not find a proper screen here) and spontaneous in-every-direction splashing.
I would like to try again, so ive made an attempt at designing an in-sump version, with focus on solving the problems ive had in the past.
My main concerns where:
1) Ease to clean: I wanted easily removable algae-media. I also want it to be easy to clean and not flimsy (ill be using rigid sheets of (probably black) acrylic, well sanded.
2) No clogging: I went for an even and gentle waterfall approach.
3) No disassembly required for cleaning (media should be easily removable where it is, even with the device working).
This is what i came up with, and i would appreciate any opinions and comments, before i build the thing.
(wall removed for visibility purposes, it will not be removable)
(Its an U shaped glass box, the U contains water that should gently flow over the media, while the inner compartment is open-bottom so water can return to the sump noiselessly)
Here is how it should go in the sump... a pump will fill the outer compartment wich should overflow over the media.
It hangs on the sumps rim, and the bottom is slightly submerged.
My main concern with the design so far is that when i cut the power the water in the sump raises its level and will flood the lights. I will be using PL-L style bulbs with the electric part above water level, but im worried the temperature differential may break the bulbs, and i would rather not encase them in yet another glassbox (its starting to look like a mamushka).
Anyways, opinions and advice are very welcome!
Thank you!