Algae Scrubber – Small (20 Watt) – IceCap

When cleaning the water in your aquarium, IceCap Algae Turf Scrubbers employ algae as a natural water filter to get rid of nitrate, phosphate, and other impurities. An algae scrubber enables you to develop algae in a controlled environment where it can be readily removed, preventing uncontrolled algae growth inside your display tank and, as a result, eliminating impurities from your tank. This all-natural method of water filtration can minimize or perhaps completely do away with the requirement for water changes. The best part is that freshwater, saltwater, and reef aquarium systems may all safely employ algae scrubbers.

HOW IT WORKS

The water passing through an IceCap Algae Scrubber is intended to be installed above your sump so that it may drain back into your regular filtering system. Water can enter the scrubber through the outflow of your display tank, a manifold, or a freestanding pump. The water entering the device drips down onto a screen that is flanked by strong full-spectrum LED lights. Your aquarium water is “scrubbed” of extra nutrients when algae starts to form on the screen, resulting in reduced algae growth within your tank. Once the screen is coated in algae, you “harvest” it by removing a significant amount of it, clearing your system of the toxins that encouraged its growth.

ICECAP VS. OTHER BRANDS

Up until now, enthusiasts who wanted to set up an algae scrubber had two options: either make their own or buy one of the very costly models that were already on the market. DIY projects might be problematic since not everyone is skilled or willing to undertake them, and the materials might not be safe in a moist atmosphere. The safety concern can be resolved by using a scrubber that is commercially accessible, but the expensive cost of these devices has historically made it difficult for amateurs to use this efficient type of natural water filtering.
The IceCap Algae Turf Scrubbers were designed with safety, use, and affordability in mind. An IceCap ATS is the most reasonably priced waterfall-style algae scrubber available!

Other brands’ products are not only more costly, but some businesses will try to upsell you an additional $60 for a “light shield” to keep the scrubber’s bright lights from glaring into your sump or living area. Never IceCap! To prevent light bleed, our scrubbers are already encased. To harvest your algae, you don’t even need to take off a big light shield. When it’s time for maintenance, just flip up the hinged door on top to have access to the algae screen.

HOW TO HARVEST ALGAE

Open the top door, then loosen the side quick-release union. Remove the pipe and the algae screen, then pour water over them in the sink. To get rid of tough buildup, use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Keep in mind that removing all of the algae from the screen will limit development after it is reintroduced into your system. To help the subsequent batch develop more quickly, leave some algae behind to serve as a seed. You will typically be harvesting algae every one to three weeks.

WHEN TO RUN YOUR SCRUBBER

To assist maintain the pH of your aquarium water, many hobbyists like to operate their algae scrubbers on a reverse daylight cycle. This may be achieved by connecting the LED lights to a timer or aquarium controller and setting the timer or controller for a 12-hour daily photoperiod that runs counter to the schedule of daylight for your display tank illumination.

EMERGENCY DRAIN FITTING

If the main drain ever becomes clogged with algae, IceCap Algae Turf Scrubbers come with an emergency drain fitting.

Please Note: This algae scrubber is for external use only. IceCap Algae Turf Scrubbers also require a feed pump and plumbing for installation.