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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.
However, total elimination of algae is considered unlikely in a hobby aquarium. Algae can be used as an bioindicator to inform an aquarist on water chemistry and other conditions. [2] Some species are intentionally cultivated within algae scrubbers. Few algae, such as marimo or red moss, are sought after for aquascaping in freshwater aquaria.
Algae can be used to capture fertilizers in runoff from farms. When subsequently harvested, the enriched algae can be used as fertilizer. Aquaria and ponds can be filtered using algae, which absorb nutrients from the water in a device called an algae scrubber, also known as an algae turf scrubber. [130] [131]
An algae bioreactor is used for cultivating micro or macroalgae. Algae may be cultivated for the purposes of biomass production (as in a seaweed cultivator ), wastewater treatment , CO 2 fixation , or aquarium/pond filtration in the form of an algae scrubber . [ 1 ]
Algae scrubber (upflow version) floating on a reef pond. Algae may be grown purposely, which removes chemicals from the water which need to be removed in order to have healthy fish, invertebrates and corals. This is a natural ("green") filtering method, which lets an aquarium operate the way oceans and lakes operate. [18]
Seaweed cultivators are an offshoot of algae scrubbers, which were developed to filter aquariums. By replacing the aquarium with a reservoir of fertilized seawater, a stand-alone cultivator becomes possible, and even a desktop cultivator is possible if the size is small enough or if the reservoir is placed beneath the desk.
Bacteria break down the shrimps' wastes. The breakdown products provide nutrients to the algae and bacteria upon which the shrimp feed. The manufacturer states that shrimp live in the EcoSphere for an average of 2 to 3 years, and are known to live over 12 years. A magnetic scrubber is enclosed in each EcoSphere.
Seaweed is lifted out of the top of an algae scrubber/cultivator, to be discarded or used as food, fertilizer, or skin care. Alginates are used in industrial products such as paper coatings, adhesives, dyes, gels, explosives and in processes such as paper sizing, textile printing, hydro-mulching and drilling.