LA Fishguys, Algae vs Algae, Episode 108, pt2 Algae Filter

[astchiefy]

The trick is the lighting requirement for Caluerpa is different than the reef lighting. I had best results in the Eco 60watt bulb regular screw in. I've given away tone of caulerpa that grew to plague like proportions.. Great algae scrubbing system. I'm contemplating other plant types as well now

[astchiefy]

I like your videos. I have run a system like this for many years and wonder why you haven't just added a faster grown algae such as Caulerpa. This has been very good for me and the only maintenance is to remove some to prevent asexual die off. This I do by cutting and feeding to my tangs in the main tank...

[lafishguy]

hey A, actually I tried caluerpa, as well as Cheto, and I like caluerpa but I had too much die off for it to regularly counted on.

[ReefAdvicer]

hey la fish guy i love your show i wish it was on tv, but the modification you made was called a turf scrubber just to help

[MONEYBOY512]

whats the yellow guy called? and what parameters does he need?

[lafishguy]

hey M, you mean the Long Horn Cowfish, the one with the horns? he is a $30 fish and id fairly peaceful, but not recommended for corals or invertbrates.

[MONEYBOY512]

@lafishguy Yes thats the one i was referring to. I really like him and now want to get him for my tank. would he be fine in a 37 gallon tank tall? Thank You

[lafishguy]

hey M, I am sure the tank size is fine but make sure he has polite tank-mates.

[Sologarth]

Have you considered bio pellets? It seems like the owner of this tank is probably dumping way too much food into the tank. With the bio pellets he should be able to add as much food as he wants into the tank without creating a nitrate/phosphate problem. I run a bio pellet reactor on my 120g reef tank and I have no nitrates or phosphates even though i have increased the amount of food i add about 10x. The whole setup cost less than $200.

[lafishguy]

hey S, the point of this video is to tell a story of using algaes to deal with other algae issues, hence the title Algae vs. Algae. I would like to see this process through as I have already made a commitment equipment-wise, and I have seen a decrease in the hair algae since Episode #86.

[smokerxfiles]

I love your videos. What is causing the bloom to begin with? Can you you fill in a little more detail, Light cycle too long, additives to tank.... Is it the sea water vs mixed that contains the algaes.... I would drive a little more tech info in your show.

[lafishguy]

hey S, easier to suggest watching Episode #86 for some background.

[pnavarro170]

Jim the design is actually great. but i think using one continuous small slit instead of the holes would work better with the screens then pushed into the slits.

[lafishguy]

hey P, i am not sure how to cut that slit, so it will remain as a series of holes.

[pnavarro170]

@lafishguy guessing with a small dremmel.

[lafishguy]

hey P, I have spoken with Bryan of SM Algae Scrubber and even though he did not describe the process he did indicate its not easy to cut that slit.

[Jimbellottie1]

@lafishguy I used a table saw to cut the slit in my tubes

[lafishguy]

hey J, yeah I figured thats how it was cut...very carefully :)

[JAYBMWM3]

you done a really great job

and thank you for the vid

[TheRafield]

HAHA WHAT A COOL COWFISH :D

[dm002a8686]

Why not just use algae scrubber . The one you say it's so good Jim

[lafishguy]

hey D, not all customers want to spend the money on a SM Algae Scrubber, and I like to experiment and build my own versions to learn and see if there is another way to improve on things.

[townera1]

@lafishguy

Jim, I built an algae scrubber based on the SM one and I just used a circular saw to cut the slit. worked perfect. I actually built two. I put one on a 350 gallon coral tank in a store and it worked pretty well. I also put one on my own tank and built a trickle filter into it. Works fantastic!

[Hasans01]

A simple solution to a mammoth issue! Jim your algae turf scrubber is the second most useful thing among DIY stuff after the table which holds it up :). Cheto and Caulerpa deserve their place in refugium only I believe. Thanks for updating..

[CALI805JC]

Nice work Jim!

[dejavuga]

What type of algae are you using? thanks

[lafishguy]

hey D, originally I used that Cheto, then I tried Caulerpa, both eventually died out. now I am allowing 'turf' algaes that occur naturally to grow on the screen.

[cichlidmania26]

Good job lafish guy. Your a great diy.  So would you recommend this too eliminate all alage from a 150 gallon setup

[lafishguy]

hey C, i do believe the SM Algae Filter is a better and more effective design, but this helps me understand the potential..

[mranimalboy1995]

you should use a bigger tub



[lafishguy]

hey M, that's all that fits in that spot.

[bentleyboy72]

Hey Jim, have you ever used deep sand beds in your tanks? The ones that you dont vacuum?

[lafishguy]

hey B, I would have to say no. its too....ecosystem, and thats a completely different approach.

[bentleyboy72]

@lafishguy Maybe it'd keep your tanks healthier and would actually completely remove the need for all the algae filters and crap you always have to install :P bacteria can do wonderful things :D

[lafishguy]

hey B, you DSB Guys make it sound so simple ( and I dont think it is ) besides, i dont service enough reef tanks to make it worth implementing.

[TheBerriersReef]

Clever idea, nice video btw.

[roadkill3030]

lol i was waiting for the cow fish to take a nip at your arm 

[MacoSTi]

That light is too weak

[samubabe101]

I hope he has a good skimmer

[rocky3wheeler]

GREAT VIDEO JIM IM COMING TO LA.IN MARCH MAYBE ILL LOOK YOU UP....LOL...OK THANKS AGAIN REALLY GREAT KNOWLEDGE JIM!!!!