DIY Algae Scrubber

[PipMic23]

Hello Everyone,

I'm working on creating an algae scrubber using some old equipment and my 3d printer.
I am trying to do as much as I can DIY as I love to tinker. Please give me any feedback you can think of, it is much appreciated!

So far, I've got the plumbing and housing completed. Coming next is the in sump mount and mat.
Ill be using my printer to create the adjustable mount and cover as well as the mat holder. It will be set up as a waterfall design and I am using all diy plumbing in addition to an old overflow.
It is plumbed from my return pump and has a ball valve for flow control.

With those who have experience using an algae scrubber (I have none) do you think my fuge light will be adequate, given its position in the fuge, or will I need supplementation? Overall dimensions are 4.5" deep x 6" wide x 7" tall and it is meant to be used with a small skimmer if needed.

I will keep the thread updated as I complete the job but if anyone has any input or wants to know what steps were taken feel free to comment.
the tank is still cycling and the tank setup has some tlc needed as i am just getting back into reef keeping after close to 10 years. my intent this time is to do as much as possible retro (with my old equipment) and DIY

 

[flozfzx1]

IMO just use new stuff to make it.. Its a pain to try from old stuff. Also remember have an input and output for flow. I would use clear stuff on both panels then black panel on the bottom and top.

 

[PipMic23]

Thanks for the suggestion. Is it necessary to have a drain? It is open bottomed and will be returning water directly into the fuge.
For this one the used part is an old overflow I had laying around lol. Just had to cut the bottom off. Youre definitely right though, its a pain to try with this old stuff. Luckily I have some time at the moment while my tank cycles.

 

[Dave-T]

You might want to try having lights on both sides of the material that collects the algae. Otherwise the algae will block the light from the other side.

 

[PipMic23]

That was I was thinking too ultimately. I would have loved to get away with enough algae on one side only but its quite small. Fortunately it wouldn't be hard to add, and it'd be on the outside of the fuge so that wouldn't be difficult.

Here is the setup at this point.
I still have to suspend the light and make a lid but its almost there. The tank is very new so I wont be running it until it cycles well.

 

[flozfzx1]

Thanks for the suggestion. Is it necessary to have a drain? It is open bottomed and will be returning water directly into the fuge.
For this one the used part is an old overflow I had laying around lol. Just had to cut the bottom off. Youre definitely right though, its a pain to try with this old stuff. Luckily I have some time at the moment while my tank cycles.

Sorry i thought you were doing an close one. Thats cool what you have.

 

[flozfzx1]

That was I was thinking too ultimately. I would have loved to get away with enough algae on one side only but its quite small. Fortunately it wouldn't be hard to add, and it'd be on the outside of the fuge so that wouldn't be difficult.

Here is the setup at this point.
I still have to suspend the light and make a lid but its almost there. The tank is very new so I wont be running it until it cycles well.

Looks good, Try it and see if it works a close one with both lights is very nice.