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The ARID Reactor is an acronym for; Algae Remediation Illuminated Device. It is a specially designed life support system for use in aquariums and aquaculture.  

By harnessing photosynthesis the ARID biosorption system has the capability to drive down phosphate to levels required for vigorous SPS coral growth without the need to constantly buy and replace chemical media. This biological filtration system works on the principle of what Pax Bellum LLC likes to call "biological stoichiometry"; the balanced control of products and reactants in a biological system by use of a biological medium as a nutrient export, in this case algae and bio-film. Simply put, specific nutrient levels and ratios can be controlled with precision.

In addition, by running the ARID on a reverse daylight schedule to the display tank, pH and dissolved oxygen is kept at a higher level and stable over the 24hr cycle

Being sealed from atmospheric gases the ARID is dependent on dissolved CO2, thereby keeping CO2 levels and organics to a minimum. 

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. 

Algae Turf Scrubbers (ATS’s) come in all shapes and sizes. ATS’s are usually rectangular acrylic boxes housing a vertically oriented screen or a plurality of screens and a LED array or other light source(s) that can evenly illuminate the entire grow surface of the mesh the turf algae grows upon. They grow turf algae, hair algae, aka Bryopsis species using a nutrient film technique. 

The hair algae suspended in air on the mesh has unlimited access to atmospheric CO2, which does allow for rapid growth but much of the captured carbon it converts into sugars leaks into the system water, leading to organics buildup. 

Their design is probably unintentionally similar to an evaporative cooler, aka swamp cooler, evaporating a good deal of aquarium system water daily. Most of the cooling effect is lost to the heat put in by the large array of lights. But they may contribute a cooling effect if you live in a dry hot climate. The trade off is making up more R/O water to replace the evaporation.  

Any oxygen produced by the turf algae is mostly lost as it interacts with the water surface before returning to the system. Likewise effluent from a calcium reactor is not as easily attached to the intake of an ATS. And when is the last time a local fish store gave you money for hair algae? They often will for Chaetomorpha.

We recommend an acid wash of the chamber every 6 months to keep the chamber walls reflective. Either acetic acid (white vinegar) or hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid) can be used. This involves filling the unit with straight store bought white vinegar or making a dilute solution of 5% HCL acid and letting it sit for a few hours until all carbonate buildup is dislodged,or dissolved. Then drain and rinse with freshwater and put it back into operation. A white poly pad made for scrubbing plastics can be used to aid in dislodging any stubborn buildup.

The light tube should be replaced every 10-12 months due to aging and scratches that will accumulate from cleaning.

The flange seal may need replacing yearly due to dimensional changes from aging and compression set.

Wipe dust from the heat sink on a regular basis to keep it transferring heat efficiently.

Clean the gland that the flange seal seats into of any foreign material to ensure a proper seal.

Check plumbing fittings leading to, and on the reactor for blockages during routine algae harvests. Low flow is the number one reason for algae collapse.