The main advantage of the DROP1.2 or any algae scrubber is that if you size and operate it properly (based on how much you feed), it can be the only filter for your tank, even replacing waterchanges. It can, however, also be used with other filters. Some other filters such as carbon dosing (Zeo, pellets, etc) may slow down the scrubber, but nothing will really "hurt" the scrubber except possibly large amounts of algaecide or copper medications. The DROP1.2 is also dry-out proof, since it's always under water. Power outages will not affect it.
The DROP1.2 uses a low voltage that is perfectly safe. The LEDs are sealed in a double waterproofed manner; this prevents corrosion from fresh and saltwater. The UL and CE approved power supply works on both 120 or 220 volts, it converts (and isolates) the 120 or 220 volt mains to the safe low voltage which is isolated from the water, meaning that even if the LEDs were not sealed at all you could put the LEDs into the water and they would continue to work and nothing would happen. It is recommended that you use a GFCI safely plug, available at any aquarium, hardware, electrical or home improvement store, or online.
Comes with 3 ft (90 cm) of vinyl airline, but requires an air pump. A standard air pump will work, however a larger pump with two outlets combined into a single outlet is preferred. It is the air bubbles which move water into the growth compartment and up the growth surfaces, and also supply carbon dioxide (CO2 in the air) to the surfaces, which allow algae to grow in the filter. If you don't have a proper pump, you can use what you do have in the mean time.
The LEDs are three red (660 nm) 3-watt LEDs, which are double sealed in epoxy. Some red light does come out of the bottom holes, but most of the light is blocked by the special plate underneath the filter; so it will not make little red dots on the bottom of the aquarium or sump. You will need to get a timer so you can run the LEDs for up to 22 hours per day (not 24). The LEDs never needs replacing.
The DROP1.2 will need to be cleaned ("harvested") every 7 to 14 days or when thick with growth. Just lift up the DROP1.2 out of the water, open the hinged lid, and pull the algae out (freshwater use will usually require taking the filter to your sink). You can even feed some of the algae to your fish, and there will probably some some pods inside that you can feed too.
The DROP1.2 comes with a 6 month warranty: Warranty is for replacement or repair only; not a refund. Costs for shipping back to us are covered if you are in the U.S. Costs for shipping back to us are not covered if you are not in the U.S., however we will pay for shipping back to you. In either case, you will need to ship the entire unit back to us before we can ship a replacement. Warranty is limited to repair or replacement, and does not cover fish loss, personal injury, property loss, or direct, incidental or consequential damage arising from the use of it. The warranty and remedies set forth above are exclusive and in lieu of all others, whether oral or written, express or implied. We specifically disclaim any and all implied warranties, including but not limited to lost profits, downtime, goodwill, damage to or replacement of other equipment and property, and any costs of recovering animals, plants, tanks or other aquarium related items and/or equipment. We are not responsible for special, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from any breach of warranty, or replacement of equipment or property, or any costs of recovering or reproducing any equipment, animals or plants used or grown with this product.
DROP1.2 size: 3.25" wide x 6" tall x 2.75" thick front-to-back (8 cm wide x 15 cm tall x 7 cm thick). It requires at least 5" (13 cm) of water to operate in.