Use Algae to Fight Algae

IceCap Algae Turf Scrubbers use algae as a natural water filter to remove nitrate, phosphate, and other pollutants from your aquarium water. Rather than having algae grow uncontrolled inside your display tank, an algae scrubber allows you to grow algae in a controlled setting where it can be easily removed—thereby removing contaminants from your tank in the process. This all-natural form of water filtration can reduce and even eliminate the need for water changes. Best of all, algae scrubbers are safe for use in freshwater, saltwater, and reef aquarium systems.

3 Sizes to Choose From

IceCap Algae Turf Scrubber - Small 20w

Item #: IC-AGS-100
Dimensions: 8 x 7 x 10in (LxWxH)
LED Lamp Number: 2 x 10w
Total Wattage: 20w
Screen Size: 8 x 6in
Inlet Size: 16mm
Outlet Size: 1in
Emergency Outlet Size: ½in
Safety Drain Size: 1/2in
Recommended Flow: 250gph
Tank Rating: Aquariums up to 80gal

IceCap Algae Turf Scrubber - Medium 60w

Item #: IC-AGS-200
Dimensions: 16 x 10 x 12in (LxWxH)
LED Lamp Number: 2 x 30w
Total Wattage: 60w
Screen Size: 10.4 x 7.4in
Inlet Size: 16mm
Outlet Size: 1in
Emergency Outlet Size: ½in
Safety Drain Size: 1/2in
Recommended Flow: 500gph
Tank Rating: Aquariums up to 225gal

IceCap Algae Turf Scrubber - Large 120w

Item #: IC-AGS-400
Dimensions: 24 x 12 x 12in (LxWxH)
LED Lamp Number: 4 x 30w
Total Wattage: 120w
Screen Size: 15.8 x 10.5in
Inlet Size: 25mm
Outlet Size: 1.5in
Emergency Outlet Size: ½"
Safety Drain Size: 1/2in
Recommended Flow: 800gph
Tank Rating: Aquariums up to 350gal

How It Works

IceCap Algae Scrubbers are designed to be mounted above your sump so that the water flowing through the unit can drain back into your normal filtration system. Water can be fed into the scrubber by a standalone pump, via a manifold, or through the drain of your display tank. The water going into the unit is trickled down onto a screen that is illuminated on both sides by powerful full-spectrum LED lights. As algae begins to grow on the screen, it “scrubs” your aquarium water of excess nutrients—so you’ll have less algae growing inside your tank. Once the screen is covered in algae, you “harvest” it by removing a sizable portion, thereby removing the contaminants that fueled its growth from your system.

IceCap vs. Other Brands 

Until now, hobbyists looking to setup an algae scrubber would either build one themselves or invest in one of the very expensive units currently available on the market. The problem with doing it yourself (DIY) is that not everyone is capable or willing and the materials may be unsafe in a wet and humid environment. Using a commercially available scrubber solves the safety issue, but the high costs of these units has historically been prohibitive for getting more hobbyists to adopt this effective form of natural water filtration.

Our goals in building the IceCap Algae Turf Scrubbers were to make them safe, easy-to-use, and most of all, affordable. You aren’t going to find a more affordable waterfall-style algae scrubber than an IceCap ATS! 

Not only are units from other brands more expensive, but some companies will also try to upsell you another $60 for a “light shield” to prevent the bright lights from the scrubber from escaping and shining into your sump or living space. Not IceCap! Our scrubbers are already enclosed to stop the light bleed. You don’t have to remove a bulky light shield to harvest your algae, either. Just flip open the hinged door on top to access the algae screen when it comes time for maintenance.

How to Harvest Algae

Flip open the door on top and loosen the quick-release union on the side. Lift the pipe and algae screen out and run them underwater in the sink. You can use a soft-bristle toothbrush to remove stubborn buildup. Be careful not to remove all of the algae from the screen as this will slow growth when you put it back into your system. Leave some algae behind to seed the next batch so that it will grow faster. Under normal circumstances, you will be harvesting algae every 1-3 weeks.

When to Run Your Scrubber

Many hobbyists prefer to run their algae scrubbers on a reverse daylight schedule to help stabilize the pH of your aquarium water. You can accomplish this by plugging the LED lights into a timer or aquarium controller and programming it for a 12-hour daily photoperiod that runs opposite of the daylight schedule of your display tank lighting.

Emergency Drain Fitting

IceCap Algae Turf Scrubbers are equipped with an emergency drain fitting in case the main drain ever gets clogged with algae.