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Clear Water Scrubbers LLC

CW-50 External Algae Scrubber - Clear Water

$324.99  

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CW-50 External Algae Scrubber - Clear Water

An algae scrubber is a water filtering device (not to be confused with a scrubber pad used to clean glass) which uses light to grow algae; in this process, undesirable chemicals are removed from the water. Algae scrubbers have allowed saltwater and freshwater aquarium, or, pond hobbyists the ability to operate their tanks the way that oceans and lakes operate: using natural filtration in the form of primary production.


How it works:

Both iron fertilization and ocean nourishment are techniques that boost the primary production of algae in the ocean, which consumes massive amounts of nutrients and CO2. It is this same consumption of nutrients that algae perform in an aquarium or pond. An algae scrubber filters water by moving water rapidly over a rough, highly illuminated surface, which causes algae to start growing in large amounts. As the algae grow, they consume nutrients such as nitrate, phosphate, nitrite, ammonia, ammonium and even metals such as copper from the water. These nutrients are normally a problem in aquariums and ponds because they cause nuisance algae to grow, and also because they cause sickness and/or other problems in aquarium fish, invertebrates and corals. An algae scrubber allows algae to grow, but the algae grow inside the filter instead of in the aquarium or pond. This removes excess nutrients (scrubs the water), diminishing nuisance algae in the aquarium or pond . Nuisance algae in the aquarium or pond are not to be confused with the desired algae in the algae scrubber filter itself. The algae that grow in the algae scrubber can then be removed, or fed back to the livestock.

Algae scrubbers are used in both saltwater and freshwater, and remove nuisance algae of multiple types: cyano or slime, bubble, and hair.


Benefits:

  • Reduced Maintenance. Algae scrubbers reduce not only glass cleanings but also the frequency of water changes. The only thing you have to do is dose your tank.
  • Cost. Algae scrubbers will pay for themselves in the first year. Reduced water changes=less salt. Also there is no need to run GFO as the algae scrubber does the same thing only naturally
  • Peace of mind. Algae scrubbers will reduce your chance of tank crashes due to nutrient levels getting too high. The algae is always growing and removing harmful nutrients from you tank.
  • Cleaner water. An algae scrubber in connection with a protein skimmer will produce some of the clearest water you’ve ever seen!
  • Happier fish and corals. Using the same method that the ocean does will keep you fish and corals happy and colorful!


Specifications:

  • Designed for tanks between 60-100 gallons
  • Flow rate needed is 150-200 GPH
  • Dimensions - 12 1/4" L x 7" W x 7 1/2" H
  • Input barb size: 1/2"
  • Main output drain size: 1/2"
  • Emergency output drain size: 1/2"

Cleaning the scrubber:

Generally, and except for specific continuous-filtering or continuous-cultivating versions, algae scrubbers require the algae to be removed ("harvested") periodically from the scrubber. This removal of algae has the effect of removing undesired nutrients from the water because the algae used the nutrients in order to grow. The algae is generally removed either: 

  • Every 7 to 21 days, or 
  • When it is black, or
  • When it fills up the scrubber, or
  • When it starts letting go, or
  • When nutrients start to rise in the water.

For waterfall versions, the screen is removed from the pipe and cleaned in a sink with running water. The pipe is removed also, and the slot is cleaned with a toothbrush, to remove any algae that have grown up into it. After the algae are removed, the screen and pipe are put back in the scrubber.


Recommendations:

Manufacturer Info

Clear Water Scrubbers helps manage the algae in your fresh and salt water tanks as well as your ponds (of all sizes).

An algae scrubber is a water filtering device (not to be confused with a scrubber pad used to clean glass) which uses light to grow algae; in this process, undesirable chemicals are removed from the water. Algae scrubbers have allowed saltwater and freshwater aquarium and pond hobbyists the ability to operate their tanks the way that oceans and lakes operate: using natural filtration in the form of primary production.

Clear Water Scrubbers are backed by a one year limited warranty and the company has its headquarters in in Olathe, Kansas.

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Overall, others give this:

  • 3.0

3 Reviewers (33%) would recommend this

Overall Rating:

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2
2.0
CW-50 External Algae Scrubber - Clear Water
reviewerbadge
PROS
Algae Growth
CONS
bulky, couldn't keep up with Nutrient demands and somewhat noisy when dialing in the flow rate.
REVIEW
Well I have been running this for 3 months now and not really impressed with the Algae Scrubber. IMO, I believe that the screen inside should have been larger for more algae growth so that it would be able to keep with the nutrients in the tank. I installed it on my 40-gallon breeder since it was r...Read More
  • 0
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2
2.0
To bully for no reason
reviewerbadge
PROS
Does what it is made to do
CONS
Hard to clean, very bulky, and connecting bulkheads is annoying
REVIEW
It could be done a lot better, better have a lot of room in your sump area, the intake is on the other side of the return, making it even bigger than you think. can't take the entire screen out either which makes it more difficult to clean and prevent clogs. Also doesn't come with a two-way connecto...Read More
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5
5.0
IT WORKS!
reviewerbadge
PROS
Quality & Price
CONS
Should come with the light spillage kit
REVIEW
Extremely good quality and nice small footprint, compared to others. I do recommend getting the light spillage cover or expect neon pink lighting shining through your sump area and cabinet doors. I have been using 24-7 for several weeks now on my reefer 250 and getting really close to having my firs...Read More
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  • 3.0

3 Reviewers (33%) would recommend this

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