B.a.d.a.s.s.

My Benthic All Dimensional Algae Surge Scrubber;

This scrubber is the latest attempt at increasing scrubber efficiency with regard to pulsed flow;
http://algaescrubber.net/forums/showthread.php?2731-Pulsed-flow

Using a horizontal screen in regard to this test;
http://algaescrubber.net/forums/showthread.php?2756-Garfs-Horizontally-Opposed-Scrubber-Test

And shall be monitored in the same manner as this thread;
http://algaescrubber.net/forums/showthread.php?2733-Quantifying-Biomass

If anyone would like me to start separate topics for these on this site, just say and I will be happy to if requested.

Day one;

Screen;


Syphon activation point;


Low level (gurgle point)

 

This one works on the principal first documented by Walter Adey, that algae grows faster when exposed to pulsed flow. The pulsed flow is maintained by a surge pipe around the back which intermittently discharges to the display via a syphon. The swaying back and forward tends to expose more of the algae to the light (it is thought). Initial feed to the tank is supplied by the sump return pump. Just got a 23w 2700k cfl on it for now. The cable ties provide 3D attachment points which should then repopulate the water column faster than conventional screens. They also provide resistance to flow and therefore forces the water past the algae instead of the algae just moving with the pulse. This should again increase photosynthesis.

 

The 5th day;

 

Day 8;

 

Day 9 and the GHA is taking hold on the cable ties;

 

Day 15 and the growth has reached the low water surface (2 inch depth) and some pods are enjoying themselves

 

Day 18;

 

Day 19, drained via the adjustable height screen just prior to harvest. No need to take the screen out;



Now, we will see if the seeded cable ties and base actually speed the process up a bit! This harvest 29 grammes (squeezed), 30 sq inch screen, 19 days. (0.051 g/sq inch/day)

 

Gonna be measuring the filter ability by a direct comparison with my bubbly waterfall. I have referenced the "quantifying biomass thread" in post #1. The ban stick - yep, guess the picture of the trash can posted on his UAS sales pitch was the straw that broke the camels back. I like facts, not fiction

 

24hrs after first harvest;

 

Well I would but YouTube and photo bucket are playing silly buggers at the minute.

 

the yellow pipe is just an emergency drain. The pipe on the right is the external surge pipe. If the principle works as I expect, I'll be replacing that with a larger diameter pipe, and increasing the feed pump to speed up the filling/drain process (takes between 1.5 and 2 minutes to complete a cycle at present).

 

Hi sabbath. The water is fed by the sump return (UP) then siphoned out through a surge pipe (DOWN)

Harvest + 48hrs

 

1st harvest + 72hrs

 

4 days after 1st harvest