Algae Scrubbers in a Planted Tank

[NotoriousENG]

Recently I've been reading about algae scrubbers that some reef keepers use to control nutrients and reduce unwanted algae in their display tank. The idea seems to be to give algae an optimal environment to grow in scrubber so it will preferentially grow there vs the display.

I'm wondering if this could be used as a method of keeping algae out of the display in a planted tank. Obviously dosing would have to increase to avoid bottoming out on nutrients. Since we aren't trying to bottom out on nitrates and phosphates I wonder if they're would still be a benefit, perhaps in reducing dissolved organics?

Here's an example of such scrubber

HOG1 Hang-On-Glass UAS upflow algae scrubber from Santa Monica Filtration

www.santa-monica.cc

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[seedoubleyou]

It would seem counter intuitive to me.
You’d be better off just focusing on plant health which will in turn combat algae.

 

[JohnCooke]

For many years I grew caulerpa and some chaeto macro-algae in the sumps of my marine tanks. It was a useful way of keeping nitrates under control. However, now I've got a planted freshwater tank, I see no point in an algae scrubber. The plants I'm growing are scrubbing up the algae!

If they're not, and the tank's overrun with algae, then that issue needs directly facing.

Mind you, if I did have a sump with space to grow plants, then it might well be useful as a plant nursery, or fry nursery, etc.

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

However, now I've got a planted freshwater tank, I see no point in an algae scrubber. The plants I'm growing are scrubbing up the algae!

It is that one really. Marine aquarists don't have <"many vascular plants to choose from">, and also have the issue of the expense of water changes. If I had a marine aquarium <"I would definitely want plants">.

cheers Darrel

 

[JohnCooke]

Your comment about water changes touches a sensitive chord in me! As a marine aquarist for several decades, water changes used to drive me bonkers. Brings back memories of throwing buckets into the waves on steep beaches, or dodging oily outboard motors at the local harbour. In the end, I ran a no-water change tank, which you could get away with if you kept to soft corals, like gorgonians and green star polyps.

One of the joys of my current freshwater planted tank is how easy water changes are. I actually look forward to water change day, even if my other half doesn't!