In many ways, the cornerstone of a thriving reef tank is determined by your ability to duplicate the natural environment of its inhabitants. Sure, there are literally dozens of various biological and mechanical components responsible for the overall health of a tank, but each work in tandem toward this common goal.
Without a biologically similar ecosystem, the growth and progress of a reef tank is severely stunted. In an effort to adhere to this fundamental principle, many aquarists narrow their sights on water parameters, lighting, temperature and other elements.
Author:
As a lifelong aquarist, Yuliya has an endless curiosity about our underwater universe. After graduating with a bachelor’s in Environmental Engineering, she transformed her passion into a successful career. While working at the Institute of Environmental Protection in Moscow, her passion for saltwater and reef aquariums only increased. Moving to the United States in 2013, Yuliya embarked on another impactful journey by sharing her unprecedented experience for all aquarium hobbyists ... Read More.
Although these are obviously important, if you focus too much on the invisible realm of your forming ecosystem, you’ll miss a vital building block: algae.
Okay, I know what you’re thinking, “Isn’t algae something we try to prevent rather than purposefully grow?”
Well, yes, but as with many topics regarding reef tank care, the real answer is far more complex.
Unruly algae growth is detrimental, as are certain algae species. However, this nuisance tank inhabitant servers an essential purpose in nature. To hack the biological process of coral reef environments, you must learn how to tame and manipulate algae.
Failure to master the art of algae propagation may not result in a complete tank crash. But it can make a difference between a visually stunning, and biologically sound, aquarium.
The Invaluable Asset of Algae - Debunking the Slimy Myth.
As you continue to dive deeper into this hobby, it sometimes becomes harder to separate fact from fiction.
Since the proliferation of a reef tank can be as mysterious as nature itself, there’s a serious lack of continuity regarding information.
This is one of the primary principles of Reef Hacks. To debunk myths while shining the light of truth when it comes to fundamental and high-level reefing topics.
In the case of growing algae, let’s begin by clarifying exactly why you shouldn’t immediately aggregate all algae in the “Terrible Tank Invaders” category.
The Microbial Loop of Nature - Algae and Tank Environments.
Essentially, algae assists in the biological filtration of harmful substances created from water inhabitants, such as fish, invertebrates and coral.
This action not only aids in the essential process of water filtration, but by absorbing unsavory compounds, it uses this energy to further propagate its species. As you may likely know, algae forms the fundamental nutrient source for marine life. Of course, by feeding others more waste is produced, which feeds algae growth.
In short, this is the microbial loop responsible for giving life to much of the world’s underwater universe.
Algae Scrubber CW-50 Review - An Introduction.
As you can see, at least in a fundamental sense, algae plays an essential role in both nature and aquarium.
But, how can you safely introduce and populate algae into your tank without waking up one day to find your underwater universe overtaken by swaying algae strands?
This is where the innovation of modern aquarium technology comes into play.
Rather than constantly battling algae growth, algae scrubbers provide a healthy medium to reap the benefits of algae without the risk of overpopulation.
No, an algae scrubber isn’t a cleaning pad made out of algae. This unique tank component is essentially a water filtering device. While the use of algae scrubbers isn’t new, the technology and design improvements of these devices have transformed this traditional filtering methodology.
Throughout my years working alongside saltwater and freshwater tanks, I’ve encountered my fair share of scrubbers. During this time, I’ve become familiar with quite a few manufacturers.
Out of all these, I continuously refer back to the CW-50 Algae Scrubber by Clearwater Scrubbers. Not only is its features and construction leaps above competitors, we utilize it within our frag tank setup here at Reef Hacks.
So, what makes the CW-50 Algae Scrubber a superior device? I can tell you in three words: Simplicity, Effectiveness, Durability.
The Characteristics of Value - Scrubber Specifications.
In brief, let’s cover the basics.
The CW-50 Algae Scrubber delivers its stable performance due to its solid specs. As an engineer by trade, these are the elements I consider most important when reviewing a product.
Here’s a quick rundown of its specs:
- Screen Size: 6” x 6”
- Max Tank Capacity: 75 Gallons
- Power: 120VAC (20W)
- Best Flow Rate: 150 Gallons Per Hour (GPH)
- Dimensions: Length - 12 1/4” | Width - 7” | Height - 7 1/2”
- Construction Materials: Acrylic
Even though you may be tempted to increase the size of the screen by going with a larger scrubber model, bigger isn’t always better. In fact, using a scrubber that’s designed for bigger tank environments can actually reduce its efficiency.
The Daily Life of Algae Scrubbers - Operation Review.
To say the CW-50 Algae Scrubber offers an efficient and streamlined operation would be a vast understatement.
Not only is the scrubber easily installed, but tending to its daily operation is surprisingly straightforward. Essentially, feeding the scrubber is done through either a standalone pump, pre-existing aquarium drain pipe via the 1/2-inch barb fitting or with a manifold.
As water flows through the algae screen, algae growth is stimulated via an included LED light (red/blue). Water then passes into the primary drain pipe that leads to your sump.
What I really appreciate about this device is its simplicity. With such a streamlined design, monitoring its function and performance is essentially effortless.
The ease of use continues into its required maintenance tasks. Every week or so, check the algae screen for growth.
When full, simply remove the horizontal union and scrape clean. However, ALWAYS leave a small bit of algae on the screen. If you fully clean the screen, it will take a decent amount of time to repopulate.
Natural Filtration Made Easy - Final Thoughts.
Many reefers have found great success when using this methodology to remove unwanted nutrients from their tank. While it’s an effective way to create a healthy environment, it shouldn’t be considered the “ultimate” filtration method.
Although we really enjoy its function and efficiency within our frag tank, you should always investigate what works best for your unique setup.
Should you find an algae scrubber to be exactly what you’re looking for, I definitely recommend checking out the CW-50 Algae Scrubber by Clearwater Scrubbers. Trust us, this capable device is worth investigating.
by Yuliya Ivanova for ReefHacks.