A Few Questions

[johnarky]

Here's the basic info on my scrubber before my questions.
- 90gal tank
- Diy scrubber fed by the overflow in to the sump
- Double Layer Screen (sandwiched together)
- 13.5" long and 11" tall
- CFL lights on both sides about 3" from the screen
- one side has one 42 watt spiral bulb
- the other side has two 23 watt spiral bulbs
- Flow is good probably between 900 and 1000 gph.
- The scrubber has brought my nitrates to 0 and everything is going pretty good.

1. There appears to be a lot of microbubbles in the sump. I can't tell if there's a lot of microbubbles making it back in to the DT or if it's just the "tiny pods" circulating around. How can you tell the difference?

2. I use a toothbrush to clean the very top of the screen about every other day in order to keep the flow going. Otherwise it builds up and stops the flow. What's the best way to stop this from happening?

3. Would I benefit by changing to a single layer screen? Is it possible to just un-sandwich the screens and use just one of them? Is there any problems with this? I'm hoping this will make the flow a little more even as well since I feel like the slot is a little "tight" for a double layer.

I'll try to provide pictures later if it will help to answer the questions.
Thanks!!!!

[SantaMonica]

1. Shut the scrubber/flow off, and see what the micro things do.

2. Here are some simple light-shields:

















3. A single layer works best for most people; is more tolerant of setup. Although your slot is probably too wide, you can try it.

[johnarky]

Perfect. Thanks SM. I'll try bypassing the screen and see if that's the issue with the micro-bubbles.
I'll also build a "light block" for the top of the screen... Seems easy enough.