Build an inexpensive Macroalgae Reactor to reduce Nitrate and Phosphate

[@jesseguarino4173]

Great DIY! would love to see more stuff like this!

[@jimawhitaker]

that is a great idea and a really nice alternitive to the costly less flexable algae turf scrubbers, thanks.

[@BulkReefSupply]

Thanks for watching!

[@SantaMonicaFiltration]

Welcome to the world of algae :) Chaeto is a good learning system too. Pointer: if you use red light instead, it will grow more/faster.

[@thobokgari8062]

gooday, can I have your email

[@soempaing2436]

Wish there was a canister filter with water tight central tube for LED. Much easier to maintain the macro algae rather than the reactor.

[@Chicobar1986]

amazing brilliant idea!!! definitely going to try it !!! tons of thanks!

[@MoneyMarcMes]

That is pretty cool. I have a massive reactor that is 48 inches tall. Great idea, I just might try it.

[@ohadzic6377]

I tried algae turf scrubber. It worked great and I didn’t need skimmer at all

[@ArthurDoesThings8960]

Very cool! I might need to install this to my sister's 26g bowfront.

[@BulkReefSupply]

Thanks for watching and let us know if you need help!

[@ArthurDoesThings8960]

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies Will do! Thanks a bunch!

[@lundiboy8]

Just received this. Excited to set this up today and see the results in the coming weeks. One thing to note though. The lights work fine when tested but the end cap that is glued to seal the connection and the beginning connection that connects the plug in for the wall fell of immediately when wrapping around the reactor. The glue did not seem well cemented and peeled off because it was still moist. I super glued the connections so hopefully this will fix the issue.

[@BulkReefSupply]

Thanks for shopping with us! The reactors really do work great. The glue that comes standard on the strips is not all that strong because we do recommend that you utilize some heavy duty epoxy type adhesive to glue the plug. This ensures a water tight seal and will avoid any problems that could arise from running the LED strip light around water. Let us know how it works out! -Robert @ MD

[@lundiboy8]

1 week later and I had to empty my reactor. This works amazing. I posted 2 videos here on KZbin of this with my setup and posted on social media. I may have got a few people looking into this now ;).

[@Meldium]

I see your point but its the same concept of the AquaFuge. just wrap the strip LED lights around the Aquafuge of your choice and you'll have more space to grow more macro algae. I mean if its a space concern then maybe this might help but of you are going to use it as a HOB the Aquafuge by CPR will serve a better purpose of you want to have a LED light setup like this one. The only downside is the pump being visible in the display. but as far as light coverage I'd go with the AquaFuge instead.

[@BulkReefSupply]

Thanks for commenting!

[@haroldramirezmedina9153]

This is awesome! I'm gonna try it.

[@unclephil4112]

Do it again, except with a mountain dew bottle and a desk lamp.

[@krisosspyratos5016]

At what point would you add the reactor to the tank? During the cycling process? After? How soon after if that is the case. Thanks!

[@BulkReefSupply]

I would not recommend starting the algae reactor until your tank is well established or at least as some level of nutrients to keep the algae alive. Definitely after the cycle process and adding the first few inhabitants into the aquarium. Otherwise the algae may starve and die before it gets going.

[@Harolddespui]

@@BulkReefSupply Nitrates can be sky high (100ppm) already at the end of a cycle proces.

[@WaterspoutsOfTheDeep]

Cool idea. Just wonder how effective such approaches are. Great for copepods I bet.

[@ldballoon4]

you guys are now selling Pax Bellum ARID N18! I am ditching my GFO-2017!

[@jamescook7206]

Whats a good macroalgea that I can also feed to my tank, that would also work in this set up?

[@BulkReefSupply]

Caulerpa is a good option and personally I love the Red Grape Coulerpa. Tangs and other herbivores seem to love it and it looks cool. It does seem to grow a little slower so be sure to watch it closely to ensure it is healthy. The addition of Iron or a general trace element additive really helps keep the algae healthy. -Robert @ MD

[@LANJON1]

Wau no se me avía ocurrida gracias me gustaría ver más videos así

[@jasonthomas4928]

definitely going to try this great video

[@knunnery2]

Jason Thomas did you end up trying this set up?

[@jasonthomas4928]

No not yet but will do soon. I've bought a small pump just need a reactor now. going to buy the boyu FT-320 as it's the cheapest I've found

[@4SunnyinMiami2]

Great idea for copepds as well. I currently have a 29 gallon reef that will be 1 year old soon. Could I use this reactor while also using an aquatop canister as filter?

[@BulkReefSupply]

Yes! You can certainly use this reactor in combination with a canister filter.

[@mringold1]

Just received my reactor (arrived in two days - THANKS MARINE DEPOT!). Lights are backordered. I have a couple of questions. Here is my setup. I am going to put my reactor in line with the chiller. Pump is in the tank. So the water flow goes from the tank to the chiller, to the reactor, and back to the tank. First, will the pores in the reactor be small enough for pods to escape or do I need to make some of the holes larger or remove that part altogether? Also, do I want my return to the tank coming from the top or bottom of the reactor? Thanks!

[@BulkReefSupply]

When setting up the reactor do not include the sponges and only utilize the plastic plates and this will not interfere with the Copepods traveling through. You want to plumb the reactor as normal with water entering down the center tube and exiting out the top. Feel free to contact us directly if you have more questions. 1-800-566-3474 [e-mail]

[@mrmetrontech77]

I wonder what size tank this would work on? Would it be sufficient enough to remove nitrates and phosphates along with a Skimmer? Or would we need another export?

[@BulkReefSupply]

This just depends on the nutrient levels in your system. Nothing would replace the need for water changes but having an algae reactor like this will help to keep waste parameters in check.

[@twofish7939]

Would these LED strips work in conjunction with an existing 4-bulb 156watt T5 fixture for supplemental/additional lighting, or would they not make much a difference (maybe because they are not brighter than the T5's)?

[@BulkReefSupply]

Your best options for LED Supplementation are going to be something a bit brighter such as the Reef Brite linked below. These flexible LED strips work great for macro-algae/refugiums but would probably not add much of a benefit over your display tank. mdshop.us/1kCFnsN

[@primoreef3211]

Does the flow or pump matter in the reactor for example mj1200 or mj900 work fine or doesn't matter

[@BulkReefSupply]

In this case, the rate of flow is not all that critical and either of the MJ pumps mentioned would be great!

[@richiexp2]

Great video! can it be used for filtration in fish farms as well?

[@BulkReefSupply]

Hello richiexp2, This strategy can be used in a Saltwater fish only system to remove nitrates, however it is commonly used in a reef tank for both the denitrification and refugium aspect. If you are trying to lower nitrates in a fish only system, I would recommend a Bio Pellet reactor, a NO3 additive, or a Bio-Denitrator reactor.

[@BigDaddyJGG]

after 2 months it grew a bit but i had to clean it out because it got real milky and stinky. any recommendations to improve my case?

[@Dawg99999]

Can I run This alongside biopellets? I bought a Tunze 8850 and the reactor from MD. how would you put the tunze 8850 to make it work? If you put in the sump wouldn't the light dispersion spread algae in the sump

[@BulkReefSupply]

Growing macro-algae alongside using Bio-pellets may prove to be difficult because the bio-pellets would consume the necessary nutrients the macro-algae needs to grow. I imagine this would only work in a heavily stocked system using minimal amounts of biopellets that allows the presents of some nitrates in the water. I would simply attach the Tunze LED light down one side of the reactor with some zip ties.

[@lung95124]

Do you recommend running the LED 24x7 or on a timer? P.S. Great way to DIY and re-use stuff.

[@BulkReefSupply]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate the compliment! I like to run the light for a total of 12-15 hours opposite of the light cycle in my display aquarium. -Robert @ MD

[@lung95124]

all right....been running chaeto and the same setup, same lights and timing, as your video for about 3 weeks. 1/2 the chaeto have turned gray....is that expected?

[@DavidWalling]

How water proof is that LED strip light? I don't have much room in my stand, so I'll need to hang it on the inside of my sump. It's possible the lower part of the reactor will be submerged.

[@BulkReefSupply]

I would not recommend submersing the LED light into water just to be safe. You could use something like the Tunze LED light instead, which is submersible. Just attach the light to one side of the reactor and it should provide plenty of light for macro-algae. mdshop.us/2gRVOQ1

[@VAULTERMAGAZINE]

I used the colorful red and blue led and the stuff is growing out of control. It has double or tripled in 3- 4 days. I left the lights on all those days 24/7. Will cut the lights down to 14 hours or so.

[@BulkReefSupply]

I am glad to hear this is working out well for you. Thanks for watching! -Robert @ MD

[@VAULTERMAGAZINE]

I love it!

[@brandonmeade8999]

Vaulter Magazine can you tell me where u got the strip lights from please and if possible post link .thanks

[@VAULTERMAGAZINE]

Yes, On Amazon. I turned mine down to about 6 hours a day, they were getting a bit warm. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KLUTB26/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@ronrav7086]

Can i put the reactor below my tank? Plan to plumb it inside the cabinet under my tank.

[@BulkReefSupply]

Sure, just be sure your connections are tight and the pump can handle the pressure to push the water back up unto your tank.

[@jguerin1234]

How long do you reccomend running the lights ?

[@BulkReefSupply]

I like to run the reactor for about 18 hours per day.

[@meldour]

Hmm. I have a 300g total volume. What size reactor should I buy that you think would work well?

[@BulkReefSupply]

Well the bigger the better; if you have the space for the XXL that would be my choice; if not the XL will still be a benefit. For the XXL you could even connect them in series rather than parallel in order to employ a single water feed. Robert @ MD

[@WaterspoutsOfTheDeep]

lol you'd be better off using zeolite(seachem denitrate is one) and seeding some denytrifying bacteria. like microbe lift. Very cheap too and will also drastically improve water quality and ammonia, nitrite removal and remove lots of other dissolved organic waste. A soching oxidator would also be very cheap low maintenance and work to your goal big time. You just refill the soching every 2-4 weeks. The zeolite never needs to be replaced either just needs lower flow like around 50 gph otherwise it will do less denitrfying because too much oxygen present so less anaerobic activity.

[@knunnery2]

great video! could I hook up 2 reactors this way? the outlet of one going to the inlet of the other one then back to the tank? I'm trying to get more volume and I'm planning on using the aquamaxx hob reactors fr-se model. thanks!

[@BulkReefSupply]

Yes, you can plumb two reactors in series. If you need to control the flow through the reactors more precisely, you may consider running them parallel instead in which the water line is split into two separate lines prior to entering each reactor. This way you have better control over the amount of water running through each reactor.

[@fishtutorials9635]

Does this help fresh water tanks as well????

[@BulkReefSupply]

In theory, yes, algae can be used to remove nutrients in freshwater aquaria but you would want to utilize a Turf Algae Scrubber instead. We have the Santa Monica brand units which are an excellent choice! mdshop.us/2igyhOj

[@zoombaron]

Are this lights 3000-3500K or 6000-6500K ?

[@BulkReefSupply]

I don't have the exact color temperature for the LED strips but based on my experience; I would say they are close to 5500K - Warm White. mdshop.us/2pU4Ynv

[@tommyg4484]

What size pump are you using? THANK YOU for the info!

[@BulkReefSupply]

200-400 GPH is what I would shoot for through the reactor.

[@BrianSmithIsAwesome]

Any recommendations for algae species to use in a Cichlid tank?

[@BulkReefSupply]

In Freshwater tanks the most common practice is using aquatic plants instead of macro-algae. Aquatic Plants are hugely popular in the freshwater crowd and I would start with some hardy fast growing plants such as Wisteria and Java Moss.

[@MrShaun1578]

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies could we simply replace the macro algae for java moss if we wanted the benefits of plant filtration I have African cichlids and the little devil's make it nearly impossible to keep live plants in tank just was considering this as an option

[@mrmetrontech77]

Any comments on flow? Slow or fast? Does it matter?

[@BulkReefSupply]

Chaetomorpha tends to do better with a bit higher flow rates. I would say 200-300 GPH is perfect in a reactor this size. In reality, as long as you have some flow, it will work. -Robert @ MD

[@lundiboy8]

Mike Newhook if you look at my channel, I just posted 2 videos of this reactor to my reef tank bought from Marine Depot.

[@aswongjd]

Can I plumb this in line with a carbon reactor with a corbat mj1200?

[@BulkReefSupply]

Yes, I would just recommend plumbing the algae reactor after the the carbon in order to control the flow more accurately through the carbon. Also be sure the carbon is well rinsed so you dont end up trapping a bunch of carbon dust inside the macro-algae. Let us know how it works out! -Robert @ MD

[@aswongjd]

Any recommendations on how much flow to put through the reactor?

[@BulkReefSupply]

Slower flower is generally recommended, if your are going to run them in series than you want a pump that is about 300-400 GPH with a valve to dial in the flow to your liking. I would personally run them parallel in which a single pump is split into two lines with a valve on each line, one for each reactor. This way you can control the flow precisely without one reactor effecting the other.

[@hippyskee316]

would you say this would compete with the chaeto growth youd get from a kessil h380 in a refugium? i need to purchase a new kessil since i sold my old setup. but is this a comparable alternative? it is a lot cheaper but i am a bit more concerned about results.

[@kohmelvin1343]

If we can't get or find cheoto algae what other algae can we use

[@BulkReefSupply]

Caulerpa will be suitable.

[@krisosspyratos5016]

What would be a good pump to use with this that’s silent and would work with the Nuvo 10?

[@BulkReefSupply]

You will need something small to fit inside the back chambers. Check out the Sicce Micra pumps. mdshop.us/2orSXTU

[@krisosspyratos5016]

Thank you! Would you say there is any benefit to getting the Sicce .5 over the Micra (And is there any benefit to getting the micra plus over just the "micra"?

[@BulkReefSupply]

I would say go with the largest flow rate that will fit dimension wise. This way you will surely get enough flow through the reactor of your choice.

[@petieforester2240]

I used this light with twolittefishies 550 reactor and the reactor is cracking ☝️ this light is runs really warm!!!

[@MrReyG1]

I have a 25 gallon Fluval reef tank, would a Phosban 150 work as the chamber?

[@BulkReefSupply]

Yes, so long as the reactor is clear/transparent it will work fine.

[@zacharystevens8527]

Will this work with freshwater tanks?

[@BulkReefSupply]

Yes, the concept works for both freshwater and marine aquariums but you would probably be better off using an Algae Turf Scrubber on a freshwater system instead. Check out the Santa Monica Filtration units below. www.marinedepot.com/Santa_Monica_Filtration-6Y-vd.html

[@oceanchaser]

I just completed this set up with same size reactor. I have used 16 feet of blue and red led lights that are made to grow plants. I placed chaeto algae inside wow this stuff grows fast my tank was 25ppm with in two weeks its down to 5 ppm this system works! great! I have a 55 gallon reef tank thanks marine depot kind regards Jim

[@BulkReefSupply]

Glad to hear this worked out for you and thanks for sharing! -Robert @ MD

[@outrun17]

I have a 90 gallon tank, what reactor and lights should I get?

[@BulkReefSupply]

You have a ton of great options in all honesty. For lighting, I really like the Aqua Illumination and EcoTech Marine options. For a reactor and protein skimmer, AquaMaxx is the way to go. Here are a couple of links to help you shop on the website. www.marinedepot.com/AquaIllumination-3Z-vd.html www.marinedepot.com/Ecotech_Marine-EM-vd.html www.marinedepot.com/AquaMaxx-MB1-vd.html -Robert @ MD

[@outrun17]

I don't think you understand want I was asking. I'm trying to make a Macroalgae Reactor to reduce Nitrate and Phosphate just like the video and wanted to see if this size or what size that supports for 90 gallons.

[@mringold1]

What flow rate is recommended?

[@BulkReefSupply]

The rate of flow is not all that critical in this case. I would recommend anywhere from 50-300 GPH.

[@StickyDiceOfficial]

i bought this reactor set up from you guys a month ago and now the chaeto is losing its color and turning pale and brown. I run the lights 24/7 and have pretty high nitrates. Any suggestions?

[@BulkReefSupply]

This is hard to say but could be the water is lacking a vital nutrient for the Macroalgae and possibly not enough flow. Iron is important for macro algae growth but be sure not to overdose. Try a large water change to help get your water parameters to optimal levels. You may also try experimenting with different flow rates through the reactor. I hope this helps out and feel free to keep us posted! -Robert @ MD

[@StickyDiceOfficial]

Thank you very much. I will try dosing iron tonight! Perhaps I am lacking iron because I don't use a reef salt? It is a peacock mantis shrimp tank so I only use a basic marine salt.

[@peterdow6904]

perhaps not running tbe lights 24 hours a day will help, remember plants need down time as well

[@StickyDiceOfficial]

yea its what im trying now. I am leaning more towards a trace element deficiency at this point considering how many people i have seen do 24/7 light

[@zoombaron]

Can I use the Accel Aquatics FR-30 for this?

[@BulkReefSupply]

Yes sir, as long as the container is transparent this will work! -Robert @ MD

[@zoombaron]

Thank you, I order it earlier today from you guys, just making sure.

[@michaelisakov1108]

Can you include links for these items so I can buy them please, thanks.

[@vinneydanielraj4874]

Can use normal light for cheato ?

[@BulkReefSupply]

Technically yes, but trying to outcompete our purpose built display lights with a cheap light bulb from the hardware store isn't realistic, so just manage expectations if you go this direction.

[@ann53090]

how much does this cost? total?

[@BulkReefSupply]

We have a nice reactor kit available for $100 and the Accel Aquatics LED strip light is $27 and I have linked both products below. You would then only need to get a hold of some Macro-Algae to place inside the reactor. mdshop.us/2ei0Szf mdshop.us/2e3Gn9v

[@edwardthayer9386]

They look like they replaced the NextReef line!?

[@evaneversole8546]

I love words but can I see numbers on the tank and see how it removes nutrients like nitrate and phosphate

[@BulkReefSupply]

That would be a great test and I will put it my list. Thanks for watching. -Robert @ MD

[@skillz_311]

i would also like to see numbers. I need something to work as good as NOPOX without the side effects.

[@evaneversole8546]

sKiLLz 311 I am setting one up in a few months but right now I would recommend an algae scrubber

[@julieboncoski837]

should the lights stay on all the time?

[@BulkReefSupply]

Most people run them opposite of the display tank photoperiod. This helps to reduce pH drop in your tank when the lights go out in your display.

[@MrGarnettmiller]

Do you think this is big enough to make a difference?

[@BulkReefSupply]

This depends on the bio-load in your tank but any bit of nutrient export will be a benefit in most situations.

[@nanoaquamania]

you shouod have told us the minimum size of reactor per gallon required for growing this macro algae

[@BulkReefSupply]

You really have no minimum or maximum size for this application. Any size reactor would work and the larger the better!

[@nanoaquamania]

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies asked coz i guess the thumb rule for refugium is 25% of the tank volume right?

[@BulkReefSupply]

Well with a refugium, the bigger the better because it will just provide you with more water volume and more space to grow macro-algae. When choosing an entire sump system for your tank, 25% of your total display volume is the minimum size for the best performance.

[@starwindaquariums6309]

looks nice might give it a try

[@BulkReefSupply]

Let us know how it works out! Thanks for watching. -Robert @ MD

[@magicstix0r]

Mains voltage that close to saltwater... What could possibly go wrong?

[@454Casull]

Technically the LED light strip would be running at either 12V or 24V.

[@MikiMetalLive]

Doesn't this system heat up the water too much?

[@BulkReefSupply]

At 12W for the LED strip, it is not that high of a wattage so the amount of heat produced is minimal. Additionally, acrylic does not transfer heat very well, so the small amount of heat produced is radiated around the outside of the reactor rather than being transferred inside the reactor.

[@MikiMetalLive]

Awesome! I'm gonna try this for sure then. Thanks for the quick reply!

[@asparwhite86]

why not use the sunlight instead of wasting electricity on the lights?

[@BulkReefSupply]

It is possible, you would simply need to place the reactor outside away from your tank which can certainly lead to all kinds of other obstacles such as temperature coming into play. This would also make it much more difficult to control the photo period. -Robert @ MD

[@lanefloch2751]

links are broken

[@BulkReefSupply]

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Unfortunately, we no longer have the strip lights available but, I did update the reactors link.

[@edwinortiz1257]

ANY UPDATES?

[@brandonmeade8999]

will simple white led s do the job

[@BulkReefSupply]

You want to be sure it is full spectrum white light. It is best to use something in the warm colored range (6700K).

[@lowellechapmaniii8514]

I have put a lot of things in reactors and plumbed them off of my over-sized/dialed back return pump and cant believe I had not thought of this simple idea! I do have a question, need affirmation, as I saw the email preview before I watched the video and went ahead and started gathering the materials. I ordered a 3 red/1 blue ratio LED grow light, similar to the PAR LED grow light I use over my Cheato currently just in strip form and have had great success in Cheato growth with them so far. You have said a couple times that warm white is required but with the LED grow in hand I should be alright, right? Grow LED lights have worked great for me over the past year and cant think of any reason they would not in this case. I just wanted to double check that I am not overlooking something. Thank you and great video (s).

[@brandonmeade8999]

Lower e Chapman 111 can you post link to the lights you used please

[@lowellechapmaniii8514]

I am not sure if links are allowed or will work but this is the lighting I am using: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KLUTB26/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 You can see the NM listed for each color although the red is slightly darker then what they list, I believe, compared to my PAR led light I was using. However, the red "zone" is not super tight and you can have a little play on either side of optimized. I have the 3M length and it covers a taller "polyreactor" which is also a thinner reactor then used in the video. This is a reactor I had sitting around, otherwise, a wider reactor would be better but this unit is working for me now. This is my setup (image): i.imgsafe.org/77d55ecf34.jpg Lastly, with these lights when you plug them in and test before adding to outside of reactor you will notice they do give off a good bit of heat, however, I have closely monitored my temperatures and I have seen zero increase in overall core temp in a the few days I have had this unit running in the light off cycle.

[@BulkReefSupply]

We tested both warm white and red LED lights and experienced a better growth rate with the warm white LED. Many hobbyists use the red and blue LED lights and I know this is common place in horticulture applications because blue and red colored light is the most important for photosynthesis. I think you will have success either way and we would love to hear about your experience!

[@PSCThrillSeeker]

Hmm ... I'm skeptical since a large amount of macroalgae is needed to maintain reduced Nitrate and Phosphate.

[@Dawg99999]

Phil Cusimano true but it maybe good if you need copepods for Mandarin's . Canister even big ones are too small for effective nutrient export

[@jasonandtarragreenhalgh1850]

Shame there was no credit to creator

[@BulkReefSupply]

We always do our best to give appropriate credit. At the time of this product development, the concept of algae reactors was quite widespread but I would certainly be interested in speaking with the creator in mention. You can share the contact information via email [e-mail] or just link me the information you have regarding the development. I would be happy to add a credit if appropriate. Thanks so much! -Robert @ MD

[@jjiron706]

What's the definition of inexpensive , he never directly addresses costs.

[@LazyAssReefer]

Reactor: $75+ Lights: $27 Pump: $20 Chaeto: $5 --------------- Total: $127

[@WaterspoutsOfTheDeep]

Zeolite would be low cost and more effective and have other added benefits too.

[@VAULTERMAGAZINE]

A lot of easy DIY reactors on youtube, very easy to make. Lights $12 look at link above.

[@dick2829]

Spend 300 plus dollars on a reactor and 100 on lights and plumbing, let sit. Then with the crap you bought build an inexpensive reactor.

[@ghost2k25]

be careful when doing this, the reactor will eventually crack

[@BulkReefSupply]

Thanks for sharing! The heat and light can certainly have a long term effect on the acrylic.

[@ArmageddonAfterparty]

what about putting the whole thing into a glass vase, then wrap that in the led strip?

[@hamzarazak1]

That has no chance to support a good stocked reef tank

[@Dawg99999]

Hamza Razak yeah agree . I would probably go with biopellets