Algae Scrubbers: A Low-Maintenance Nutrient Export Option

Algae scrubbers take an intentional approach to nutrient export, growing algae in a controlled chamber specifically to absorb the nitrate and phosphate that would otherwise fuel unwanted algae in your display tank.

How Scrubbers Work

Water flows over a screen or surface exposed to strong lighting, encouraging algae to grow directly on that surface rather than on your display tank’s glass and rock.

Maintenance

Periodically, the grown algae is simply scraped or rinsed away and discarded, physically removing the nutrients it absorbed from your system.

Comparing to a Refugium

Unlike a refugium (see our refugium guide), which typically grows a single macroalgae species like chaeto, scrubbers cultivate whatever algae grows naturally on the exposed surface.

Is It Right for Your Tank?

Algae scrubbers are a low-cost, low-tech nutrient export option worth considering for tanks struggling with persistent nitrate or phosphate despite regular water changes.