Algae scrubber
![Newest algae scrubber designs use upflowing air bubbles to generate turbulence; when illumination is added, algae grows inside the unit and consumes nutrients.](/Images/godic/202501/29/Modern_floating_surface_algae_scrubber_filter,_floating_on_top_of_aquarium3137.jpg")
![Commercial floating surface algae scrubber uses red LED lights and up-flowing air bubbles to cause algae to grow in the growth compartment. Inside of the compartment is lined with rough textures which enhance algal attachment; ribbons/strings allow further algal attachment.](/Images/godic/202501/29/Layout_of_an_algae_scrubber3137.jpg")
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![Dr. Walter Adey](/Images/godic/202501/29/WalterAdey3138.jpg")
An algae scrubber is a water filtering device (not to be confused with a scrubber pad used to clean glass) which uses light to grow algae; in this process, undesirable chemicals are removed from the water. Algae scrubbers have allowed saltwater and freshwater aquarium and pond hobbyists the ability to operate their tanks the way that oceans and lakes operate: using natural filtration in the form of primary production.