How to upgrade your Turbo Algae Scrubber Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:15:30 +0000 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:15:30 +0000 Algae Scrubbing https://www.algaescrubbing.com/forums/updates-modifications.25/ Tue, 19 Jul 2016 14:46:35 +0000 https://www.algaescrubbing.com/threads/hmm-novel-spray-bar-idea-well-maybe.833/ https://www.algaescrubbing.com/threads/hmm-novel-spray-bar-idea-well-maybe.833/ invalid@example.com (atoll) atoll

The conversation turned to the slot pipe design and my friend has come up with an interesting (read novel) idea. He is no stranger to DIY I may add and is thinking of making a slot pipe with the slot at the very top of the pipe. Yes the opposite to...

Hmm novel spray bar idea, well maybe.]]> 2 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 16:14:39 +0000 https://www.algaescrubbing.com/threads/light-blockers-are-in-production.215/ https://www.algaescrubbing.com/threads/light-blockers-are-in-production.215/ invalid@example.com (Turbo) Turbo
My initial trial runs were made with vinyl film and flex PVC "clips". I have gone as long as 3 weeks without cleaning my scrubber and have had zero growth into the slot - I don't even have to scrub the slot with a toothbrush, except for maybe around the rotatable ring....

Light Blockers are in production!]]> 23 Sun, 22 Jun 2014 13:04:42 +0000 https://www.algaescrubbing.com/threads/upgrade-patches-instructional-video.379/ https://www.algaescrubbing.com/threads/upgrade-patches-instructional-video.379/ invalid@example.com (Turbo) Turbo


I did not show being installed were for the #2 kit for the Rev 1 L2 (which is the side drain patch only, not the combination #2/#3 patch), but the procedure for installing that patch follows the same process, drill the new hole & place the patch to align with the new hole location.

I also do not show the process for installing just the #3 kit...

Upgrade Patches Instructional Video]]> 7 Fri, 06 Jun 2014 07:37:36 +0000 https://www.algaescrubbing.com/threads/rev-3-hf-upgrade-kits-for-your-rev-1-and-rev-2-turbo-algae-scrubbers.129/ https://www.algaescrubbing.com/threads/rev-3-hf-upgrade-kits-for-your-rev-1-and-rev-2-turbo-algae-scrubbers.129/ invalid@example.com (Turbo) Turbo UPDATED: 7/30/13

These are the major upgrades that I rolled into the Turbo HF:

1) Threaded bottom drain, false bottom, & plumbing (valve)
2) Threaded side drain
3) Slot Pipe
4) Lid

Each of these upgrades is available to all of my existing customers.

Each of these kits are mutually exclusive: they can each be used independently of each other.

NOTE: I will make instructional videos for how to perform any cutting and/or bonding. There's...

Rev 3 (HF) Upgrade Kits for your Rev 1 and Rev 2 Turbo Algae Scrubbers]]> 12 Wed, 30 Oct 2013 22:34:29 +0000 https://www.algaescrubbing.com/threads/revised-rev-3-slot-pipe.205/ https://www.algaescrubbing.com/threads/revised-rev-3-slot-pipe.205/ invalid@example.com (Turbo) Turbo
The Rev 3 slot pipe which was beveled on the inside with endcaps to seal it, can be seen in post #10 here:

https://www.turbosaquatics.com/vb4/...Taking-Orders-for-The-Turbo-HF-Algae-Scrubber

I've replaced this with a simpler design, both functionally and for fabrication...

Revised Rev 3 Slot Pipe]]> 1 Thu, 09 May 2013 19:35:15 +0000 https://www.algaescrubbing.com/threads/removing-the-diffusers.106/ https://www.algaescrubbing.com/threads/removing-the-diffusers.106/ invalid@example.com (Turbo) Turbo THIS THREAD APPLIES TO ALL MODELS OF TURBO ALGAE SCRUBBERS

If your screen is very mature, you may be able to get algae to grow faster and thicker by removing the diffusers. This increases the intensity of the light, so I would closely monitor growth.

I recommend removing one diffuser, and monitor the results.

If you are running a Rev 1 L2, you will probably have to modify the LEDs as described in the...

Removing the diffusers]]> 4 Thu, 09 May 2013 19:29:09 +0000 https://www.algaescrubbing.com/threads/diffusers-l2-rev-1.104/ https://www.algaescrubbing.com/threads/diffusers-l2-rev-1.104/ invalid@example.com (Turbo) Turbo THIS THREAD APPLIES ONLY TO THE FIRST VERSION OF THE L2 ALGAE SCRUBBER

Most Rev 1 diffusers were shipped with sections that were blacked-out with a sharpie marker. The sharpie will fade over time, especially right in front of the blue LED.

Instead of re-applying with a sharpie, use black electrical tape. Apply the tape on the smooth side of the diffuser.

First, toward the middle of the bottom edge of each diffuser, apply 2 pieces of tape, each about 2"...

Diffusers (L2 Rev 1)]]> 2 Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:51:34 +0000 https://www.algaescrubbing.com/threads/increasing-the-flow.107/ https://www.algaescrubbing.com/threads/increasing-the-flow.107/ invalid@example.com (Turbo) Turbo THIS THREAD APPLIES TO ALL MODELS OF TURBO ALGAE SCRUBBERS

Increasing flow to the screen has been shown to increase growth, especially after your screen is matured. I have several users who are pushing as much as 400 GPH (instead of ~210 GPH) on the L2 and are getting great results. Doing this in conjunction with the LED modification and...

Increasing the flow]]> 2 Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:38:51 +0000 https://www.algaescrubbing.com/threads/l2-led-array-upgrade-modification-l2-rev-1.105/ https://www.algaescrubbing.com/threads/l2-led-array-upgrade-modification-l2-rev-1.105/ invalid@example.com (Turbo) Turbo THIS THREAD APPLIES ONLY TO THE FIRST VERSION OF THE L2 ALGAE SCRUBBER

The L2 Rev 1 LED array was (6) 660nm Deep Reds, with (1) 440/450nm Royal Blue in the middle. The RB is brighter than the reds, and also in close proximity to 2 of them. This creates a spot in the middle of the screen that is very bright - too bright. That is why the second revision uses a slightly different arrangement of LEDs.

If you consider yourself handy with LEDs, you can modify the array to...

L2 LED Array Upgrade & Modification (L2 Rev 1)]]> Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:25:02 +0000 https://www.algaescrubbing.com/threads/water-creep-blocker-l2-rev-1.103/ https://www.algaescrubbing.com/threads/water-creep-blocker-l2-rev-1.103/ invalid@example.com (Turbo) Turbo THIS THREAD APPLIES MAINLY TO THE FIRST VERSION OF THE L2 ALGAE SCRUBBER

On the slot pipe, the "tabs" made out of spa flex & zip ties tend to break off easily. Replace them with a 2" to 3" section of airline hose with a zip-tie threaded through it, and tighten these down on the slot pipe (use a pliers to get them relatively tight). These do a much better job of blocking water from creeping along the pipe, and they are adjustable/movable....

Water Creep Blocker (L2 Rev 1)]]>