Twinstar - how does it kill algae?

[George2]

Hi,

   Has anyone tried the Twinstar product, which claims to kill off algae? It seems almost too good to be true and I can't find any detailed information on what exactly it is doing and how it kills algae.

http://twinstarnano.com/lang_en/whytwinstar/whytwinstar_1.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNzUnvl0_IM#t=12


Thanks!
George

[exv152]

There isn't much online except some british forum discussions claiming it's an ozone generator. If so, it's not the first time an ozone product comes on the market. Essentially it's snake oil. An ozone generator oxidizes fine organic and other particles in your tank which is why the water becomes clear. A few years ago a product like this was marketed with the intention of eliminating any need for water changes, and that didn't go far. Also, I wouldn't trust a company that's not forthcoming with how their product actually works.

[charlie]

I can`t speak to how it works or if it works, but Jason @ Critter Jungle tried it in store & swears by it.
The interesting thing is it is said it will do nothing for established algae only the spores present, but Jason is convinced it works on established algae too, since the tank he tried it on was plagued by various algae & according to him after installing it, the established algae slowly died back.
Was it the twin star ( knock off) or other reasons -I don`t know, what I know is I saw the tank prior to the use of the gadget & after about 6 weeks later & it was rid of the various algae.
Regards

[George2]

The TwinStar video shows a tank filled with algae before the device is used and then after 10 days of use when the tank completely free of algae. If it works as well as they say it does, I would have thought this thing would be way more popular and everyone would have one. It does seem like snake oil, except I have found many instances of people online claiming it works.

The lack of any specific details on what exactly this thing does has made me very curious... LOL.

[charlie]

Well that is inline with Jason`s experience.
When Joseph demoed it, his statement was it will not work with established algae, maybe results have changed.
I was entertaining the thought of  trying one but for me the cost is prohibitive for it`s claims.

[exv152]

One con with regards to ozone generators is even low doses of ozone can be harmful to shrimp & fish, so you can't really over do it, and you'll want to monitor the ORP (oxidation-reduction potential) of your water.

http://www.tfhmagazine.com/saltwater-reef/feature-articles/ozone-vs-ultraviolet-comparing-two-common-sterilization-techniques-full-article.htm

[George2]

One con with regards to ozone generators is even low doses of ozone can be harmful to shrimp & fish, so you can't really over do it, and you'll want to monitor the ORP (oxidation-reduction potential) of your water.

http://www.tfhmagazine.com/saltwater-reef/feature-articles/ozone-vs-ultraviolet-comparing-two-common-sterilization-techniques-full-article.htm

Thanks for the link on ozone generators. Up until now, I had never heard of them.

I found this video which sheds some light on what exactly the Twinstar does.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9szB9gI6i0

[George2]

Well that is inline with Jason`s experience.
When Joseph demoed it, his statement was it will not work with established algae, maybe results have changed.
I was entertaining the thought of  trying one but for me the cost is prohibitive for it`s claims.

I didn't realize ADA sells them. I also found a reference to James Findley (from The Green Machine website) testing this out and now selling them on his website:
http://www.thegreenmachineonline.com/shop/aquatics/anti-algae/twinstar-nano
It seems like these devices are legit and actually do what they say they do.