In the ARID system algae is the main nutrient export and to a lesser extent the bio-film forming on the algae surface. Twice a month the Chaetomorpha is vigorously rinsed of the bio-film clinging to its surface and up to 1/3 is harvested. In this way the ARID system differs from a refugium. Chaetomorpha is not viewed as a home for arthropods, copepods and the like it is simply used as biomass for the export of unwanted nutrients. The entire structure of the ARID reactor is geared to doing this task as efficiently as possible in the smallest footprint possible.
Even and rapid growth is all about the flow… In a refugium water flows around compacted masses of macro-algae, delivering nutrients only to the outer surface of the algae mass leaving dead zones within. Even worse flow is observed when Chaetomorpha is spun like in a pseudo-kriesel, where water velocity matches the spin velocity of the algae. Inevitably dead zones occur in the center of the mass.
In the ARID, water and nutrients are forced through the interwoven macro-algae mass with a mixture of turbulent and laminar flow at constant velocity, eliminating dead zones and ensuring nutrient delivery and growth is even throughout the ARID reactor.
Illuminated from within, the ARID uses a coaxial LED lighting array, evenly delivering light to the entire mass of macro-algae by the most efficient means possible. Light is not reflected off a water surface like with a refugium. The light is contained by the ARID’s chamber walls that act as reflectors bouncing any light that makes it through to the outer wall back into the algae.