mFrame Posted July 30, 2009 Share Posted July 30, 2009 Work begins, I'll start with a picture of parts and add some details as I go: Mix of 3/4" and 1" pvc, some great waterproof external light sockets, and c clamps $7 dry box from academy The plug I'll use for the lighting Closeup of the weatherproof sockets 8x11" screen from hobby lobby, 89 cents Screen cut in half with a paper cutter for my two screens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mFrame Posted July 30, 2009 Author Share Posted July 30, 2009 Construction starts: holes drilled for water intake Piece together water intake (not glued yet) Water intake and how it will fit with the algae screens Holes drilled for lighting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gonzobob Posted July 30, 2009 Share Posted July 30, 2009 Looking good Mike. Please keep posting. I'm hoping to work on mine this weekend but probably won't have the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mFrame Posted August 1, 2009 Author Share Posted August 1, 2009 Progress continues: decided I'd need a 3rd light: drain hole: screen assembly: attached (use slip connections to lid for easy removal and cleaning) all finished but the wiring: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mFrame Posted August 1, 2009 Author Share Posted August 1, 2009 I ended up modifying and swapping some of the pieces used for installation, I'll post a final parts list, cost, and picture of the unit with a plug on it. Hope this gives some of you ideas.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zarathustra2 Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 I love this idea (might steal it from you.) Is the box made of PVC plastic? (just wondering what to look for so I know a clone would be SFR (Safe For Reef.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offroadodge Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 you can get this box at Academy. Its an ammo box. Plastic. So the question i have is what is this used for?(turf scrubber?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offroadodge Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 Great idea, just went and googled what one was. Neat idea if it works let us know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
afgun Posted February 21, 2010 Share Posted February 21, 2010 Any updates on this, Mike? Is it in use? Effective at nutrient export? How is it for maintenance (ie how often do you scrape the screens)? Etc... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+lewk Posted February 21, 2010 Share Posted February 21, 2010 I've been running a really simple one in my sump since August, and my nitrates and phosphates have been at 0 for a long time now. They're fairly easy to maintain, I take the screen off and run it under tap water once a week or so. Sometimes, the algae will grow up into the screen and you'll get a little spraying, but it's really easy to hear when that's happening. That's the only real PITA I've noticed with them. I set this up on day 1 with a new tank and never really had any algae outbreaks with it. Any updates on this, Mike? Is it in use? Effective at nutrient export? How is it for maintenance (ie how often do you scrape the screens)? Etc... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polarbear Posted February 21, 2010 Share Posted February 21, 2010 do you have pictures of yours? if so can you post them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+lewk Posted February 21, 2010 Share Posted February 21, 2010 Sure. The CFLs make the light look a lot more yellow in the pics than they look to the eye. I believe they're 2700k lamps, and I replace them every 3 months. This is a very basic DIY job, just a simple PVC frame, with the top slit about 1/8 of an inch that I cut with a Dremel. Screen is plastic canvas that you can get at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, etc. roughed up a bit with some sand paper. It's held in place with plastic shower curtain rings. I didn't need to use these until the screen started growing thicker algae, which got kind of heavy. For my next scrubber build, I want to make it easier to remove for cleanings and to put the scrubber inside of a clear acrylic box so that if it does spray anything, it doesn't really do any damage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gonzo59 Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 What type of lights did you use for this?? Love the idea and compact size! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+brian.srock Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 Nice write up Mike. Here is my ATS. I have 2 daylight cfl bulbs on it although I've been meaning to go to a lower spectrum. This is just a scuffed up knit pad with 2 pvc pipes laid over the refugium section. This was recently cleaned so I'll update it when I get more. This design allows me to easily clean it by rolling it in half and pulling it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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