Tunze Macro Algae Reactor 3181

Tunze Macro Algae Reactor 3181 controls aquarium nutrients by cultivating macroalgae or aquatic plants outside the main display. The vegetation absorbs dissolved nitrate and phosphate as it grows. Regular harvesting permanently removes the captured nutrients from the aquarium system.

The reactor is particularly suitable for marine and reef aquariums where biological nutrient export is used alongside protein skimming, water changes, and other filtration. It can also be used in freshwater systems with suitable fast-growing aquatic plants.

Macro Algae Reactor 3181 is designed for aquarium systems from 100 to 600 litres. Practical capacity depends on livestock, feeding, nutrient levels, algae growth, and additional filtration.

Natural nitrate and phosphate management

Nitrate and phosphate develop from fish metabolism, uneaten food, and decomposing organic material. Macroalgae use these compounds for growth and convert dissolved nutrients into removable biomass.

Chaetomorpha, commonly known as spaghetti algae, is particularly suitable for marine use. It grows as a loose mass and is easy to harvest without attaching firmly to the reactor surfaces.

Nutrients are removed permanently only when part of the algae is harvested. Leave enough healthy algae inside the reactor to maintain active growth.

Moving algae culture

The reactor circulation keeps the algae mass moving. This exposes different parts of the culture to light and nutrient-rich water while reducing permanent shading inside the algae mass.

Water flow is adjustable from approximately 1,000 to 2,400 l/h. The ideal setting creates gentle, continuous movement without compressing the algae against the reactor wall.

Turbelle Controller basic 7090.200 provides convenient electronic adjustment.

LED eco chic refugium lighting

The package includes one 9 W LED eco chic refugium 8831 light. It is positioned outside the reactor to illuminate the algae culture.

In marine aquariums, the reactor can be illuminated on a reverse schedule to the display. Night-time macroalgae photosynthesis may help reduce daily pH variation.

A dark period is normally beneficial. Adjust the lighting schedule according to algae growth, colour, nitrate, and phosphate measurements. Additional lighting can be installed when required.

Microfauna refuge

The algae culture provides a protected habitat for copepods, amphipods, and other beneficial organisms. Some of the multiplying microfauna may return to the display aquarium and provide natural food for fish and corals.

Shake harvested algae in reactor water before disposal to retain as many beneficial organisms as possible.

Freshwater applications

The reactor can cultivate fast-growing freshwater plants such as Najas guadalupensis. This can provide biological nutrient removal in heavily stocked cichlid aquariums and other systems where plants cannot be grown effectively in the display.

Included electronic pump

Comline Pump 2500 electronic provides adjustable circulation. Pump power consumption ranges from approximately 10 to 31 W according to the selected output.

Clean the intake, impeller, and motor chamber regularly because calcium, algae, and organic deposits can reduce performance.

Internal or external installation

The reactor can be installed in a sump or next to the aquarium system. It measures 233 × 195 × 422 mm. Additional clearance is required above the reactor and around the pump, tubing, and light.

External installation requires secure, leak-free tubing connections and a stable, water-resistant surface.

Key features

• Macroalgae reactor for freshwater and marine aquariums
• Recommended for systems from 100 to 600 litres
• Supports nitrate and phosphate control
• Natural biological nutrient export
• Suitable for cultivating Chaetomorpha
• Suitable for selected freshwater plants
• Adjustable flow from 1,000 to 2,400 l/h
• Circulation keeps the algae culture moving
• LED eco chic refugium 8831 light
• Lighting power consumption of 9 W
• Comline Pump 2500 electronic
• Turbelle Controller basic 7090.200
• Pump power consumption of approximately 10–31 W
• Provides a refuge for beneficial microfauna
• Supports copepods and other zooplankton
• May provide supplementary natural food
• Supports oxygen enrichment during photosynthesis
• Suitable for sump or external installation
• Easy access for harvesting and maintenance
• Additional lighting can be installed
• Product number 3181.000

Technical information

• Product number: 3181.000
• Recommended aquarium volume: 100–600 l
• Adjustable flow rate: 1,000–2,400 l/h
• Pump power consumption: approximately 10–31 W
• LED power consumption: 9 W
• Light: LED eco chic refugium 8831
• Pump: Comline Pump 2500 electronic
• Controller: Turbelle Controller basic 7090.200
• Reactor dimensions: 233 × 195 × 422 mm

Package contents

• Tunze Macro Algae Reactor 3181
• LED eco chic refugium 8831, 9 W
• Comline Pump 2500 electronic
• Turbelle Controller basic 7090.200
• Silicone tubing
• Model-specific connection components

Macroalgae, freshwater plants, nutrient test kits, and a lighting timer are not included.

Installation and use

1. Select a level, stable, and water-resistant location.
2. Reserve at least 233 × 195 mm of floor space.
3. Leave sufficient maintenance clearance above the reactor.
4. Allow additional space for the light, pump, and tubing.
5. Install every component according to the instructions.
6. Avoid sharp bends or compressed tubing.
7. Test every connection before continuous operation.
8. Add a clean and healthy starter culture.
9. Begin with moderate pump output.
10. Adjust the flow until the algae moves evenly.
11. Install the refugium light outside the reactor.
12. Begin with a moderate lighting schedule.
13. Monitor nitrate, phosphate, and culture condition.
14. Harvest algae before the reactor becomes overcrowded.
15. Clean the reactor, pump, light, and tubing regularly.
16. Disconnect all electrical equipment before maintenance.