15 Algal Scrubbers
Description
This article is from the Aquaria: Filters FAQ, by Bruce Hallman.
15 Algal Scrubbers
Algal scrubbers use live algae to do the ``filtration''. Water is run
over a wire mesh in a trough under bright lights, where algae is
encouraged to grow. The growth of the algae removes some pollutants
from the water. This is a controversial form of filtration for reefs
and large marine ecosystems invented by Dr. Adey at the Smithsonian.
Some believe it is a complete filtration solution, others claim its
use leads to poor water quality and algae growth in the tank as well.
In freshwater planted aquariums vigorous plant growth has been
observed to beneficially consume excess dissolved nitrates.
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