DIY Macro Algae Reactor to Reduce Nitrate and Phosphate

In this video we take a look at the aquamaxx algae reactor. Growing macro algae in a refugium is a tried and true method that many of us utilize. As the macro algae grows, it consumes nitrates and phosphates. Once you ‘harvest’ the algae, those organics are removed from your system.
The AquaMaxx Hang-On Algae Reactor is a great way to grow macro algae and while doing so, reduce nitrate and phosphate in your saltwater aquarium.
AquaMaxx Hang-On Algae Reactor: goo.gl/Zqz8ar
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[@iPhoneGottaHaves]

Can you provide a link to the part 2 video showing what happened after the first 30 days? I was unable to find it in your videos. Thanks mad hatter

[@vbsaltydog]

I have the 22" Aquamaxx media reactor as a macro reactor with a 60w horticulture led strip (red/blue) and MJ1200 on my 150g and it grows Chaeto very well. Lighting schedule is 20:4 on:off

[@MadHattersReef]

Thanks for sharing! I need to replace the DB for some cheato. DB just grows too slow.

[@laminar_flow]

Nice demo. For $150, I would expect them to have provided a means of attaching the light strip to the reactor. Did they recommend zip ties, or was that your solution to their partial implementation?

[@MadHattersReef]

I think I saw it in another video. I always have a bunch of them on hand.

[@gerardogomez5343]

Any updates on this? I couldn’t find it on your page

[@MadHattersReef]

Long gone.

[@snarbleglarf4200]

I was wondering what kind of pump you used?

[@Jel0XD]

Question, if I don't have a sump and put the reactor at the bottom in the cabinet, will the water go up due to pressure of water coming in up to the main tank?

[@whitwors]

How big of a reactor would I need for 300 gallons to have an impact. I have a newer icecap sump and there isn’t enough flow in built in refugium area so I am trying to figure out my next option. Would running 2 or 3 of these in line work as well or should I just build something larger than this and where should I start. Great channel....love the content!

[@faqihwahid]

Hi! Can you give a brief instruction on how to fix the aquamaxx algae reactor? I bought the algae reacto but the instructions given is for the carbon & gfo reactor. Thanks

[@outrun17]

I have a 90 gallon tank with a 15 gallon sump. Would this work for me or should I get a different and or a bigger reactor? Also which one would you recommend

[@helbrassen4576]

is there a reason you're not using Grow led strip lights? it's an assortment of red and blue lights witch would make the algae grow faster and therefor take up more nitrates, or am i wrong?

[@totallydude198969]

I’m watching this 2 years later and I was wondering if you did an update on this?

[@MadHattersReef]

Second to last video.

[@totallydude198969]

Mad Hatter's Reef are you referring to the ones from a week ago? “Best reefing videos of 2019”?

[@gerardogomez5343]

I’m watching this 5 years later lol

[@Nathan-wn5mc]

I just looked up the price on the kit you bought, it's a nice kit and looks very clean. I put together an Algae reactor my self about a month ago I still haven't set due to not finishing my tank yet. I spent under $100 for the kit. Ended up getting a two little fishies reactor and pump off amazon, the led strip, and had some extra hose laying around, can never have too much Ho's lol. Chaeto from LFS. Everything was bought separately but it saves you some money, I guess not time though. Just some advice to the hobbiests out there that do try to save money.

[@MadHattersReef]

As long as you aren't paying shipping on gathering everything, I can see how that may work out better. Thanks for sharing.

[@rickyepperson3891]

Don't Worry About It

[@cubanreefer1582]

A little touch of crazy glue would make it easier!!!!!! The outside light is what draws me back to have one of those in my sump

[@jjmccloud]

Have we figured out which color of light is best yet? White, Red, or Red/Blue etc

[@secoseco8387]

thank you, did it work in fresh water aquarium or reef only

[@MadHattersReef]

+Seco Seco I'm sure you could do something similar in freshwater.

[@secoseco8387]

thank you

[@tinabloomfield7228]

Im looking into getting a chaeto reactor....would this be good for my 75 gallon tank? I have a seapora R200 Sump but no where really to put a refugium. This might work!!

[@evaneversole8546]

Plzzzzzzzz do an update video or tell me how its going!

[@kohmelvin1343]

What other algae can you use if we can't get cheoto algae. Pls advice. Thanks

[@maddawgzzzz]

Koh Melvin buthole alhe

[@jamesfisher7410]

You can also use rubber bands instead of cable ties!! Jim Fisher.

[@MadHattersReef]

Nice tip

[@joeyramirez787]

How did running the lights 24/7 work? My chaeto is turning brown.

[@MadHattersReef]

The DB was to slow growing. The reactor turned more into an algae scrubber. I deffinitly recommend using a fast growing algae like chaeto.

[@Nathan-wn5mc]

Try running opposite hours of the lights that your running inside your tank.

[@jorgesreef3187]

Hola mijitoS I have a question how fast is the flow in the reactor have to be ?? To get the best results from reactor an still have pods grow ??

[@MadHattersReef]

just enough to have water passing through.

[@jacobside2656]

So after 3 weeks how is this doing? Any growth?

[@MadHattersReef]

+Jacob Side I'm going to give it another week but not happy with the Dragons breath growth. I'm looking for chaeto to get in there. Thanks for asking.

[@reeftankeddie656]

what size reactor would you recommend for a 150 or 180 gal tank ?

[@MadHattersReef]

I would go with the 22" model: goo.gl/fpju7G Then I would get the pump, hose and lights on Amazon.

[@buffalosoldat]

It's not DIY - you bought already made product. WTF :D

[@jtrides2263]

Genius!

[@IOXY3]

Does the light produce a lot of heat or no heat at all?

[@MadHattersReef]

Not much at all plus the water cools it down.

[@bayareareefs8616]

That's cool I want to try this

[@MadHattersReef]

Thanks for watching.

[@ravs4200]

Any updates?

[@miguelpires5856]

what algae you put inside? Dragon breath ? i use cheato, how many hours a day you run the lights?

[@MadHattersReef]

+Miguel Pires lights 🏃 24/7. I'm already thinking about get rid of the 🐉 breath and swapping it for cheato.

[@miguelpires5856]

i also run mine 24/7 also, but it get to a point it wont grown so much enymore because Po4 and No3 are down to near 0

[@chris18228]

Can you use any reactor for an algae scrubber

[@MadHattersReef]

As long as light to pass through it.

[@brandywine3235]

Not sure why you don't think that will have an impact on you system. I think over time it will slowly reduce NO3 and PO4.

[@majorleaguereefer6546]

how come you didn't use hot glue instead...

[@MadHattersReef]

I wanted to be able to remove the lighting if needed. Thanks for watching.

[@walking241]

I suppose this is better than just having chaeto float around in the refugium

[@MadHattersReef]

I may try an experiment down the road, have some free floating in the sump and some in the reactor.

[@glenvarza2111]

Update?

[@MadHattersReef]

Funny. Just started cleaning this out today.

[@akira3871]

That's not much of an update lol

[@milkspotscausemetospazzout6813]

I want one 😢

[@mustacheok]

I'm in love with you

[@MadHattersReef]

Thank you