Algae bloom in sump ?

[uf_gators]

I have noticed, ever since my sump has been up and running . I guess 4-5 months now. Red and green algae out the wazoo. My sump is simple and natural , I guess. 1 chamber big skimmer no filter just intake hose from tank. 2nd chamber has cheto and 5100k light. Last is chamber 3 return pump.

 

[_Alex_]

Is it growing in the refuge department? Lol if so wouldn't worry much as long as it stays there.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[uf_gators]

Yes, and has spread over into the 1 st chamber also. Just annoying , razor blade it off again tonight. And sucked up with tubing. I was just wondering what caused this? I do run the fuge light 24-7, but hasn't seen any or that much growth in the cheto . In a couple months now. Should the cheto be changed, from time to time? It's been in there approx 5 -6 months now.

 

[_Alex_]

Chaeto needs a dark time for photosynthesis to occur and it to grow. Try 18/6


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[Pappy]

Algae in sump means no algae in dt! A dirty sump is a good thing IMO!


Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

 

[nytegti]

Chaeto needs a dark time for photosynthesis to occur and it to grow. Try 18/6


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

That's not entirely accurate. I've run cheato on a 24/7 photo period under LEDs for well over 6 months and before I took my AIO nano down, I had to trim weekly(remember it's a nano so the fuge area was a bit smaller than a normal sump). It would easily double in size bi weekly if i let it.

 

[_Alex_]

Not saying its 100% with chaeto, but that's how photosynthesis works lol.

Anyway I had mine running 24/7 at one time and mild growth but I put current makers on mine to keep it tumbling. When I cut back to 18/6 it exploded lol. Was just te experience I had. Could of been the macro I had at the time


Sent from my iPhone by spaceships!

 

[NanaReefer]

Personally I wouldn't worry about it being in the sump/fuge. As long as your tank is algae free! I also agree with some down time for the fuge light. Running it opposite of your DT. Try it for a week and see if that pest algae doesn't disappear

 

[lofty78]

Isn't that the point of a refugium....The algae in the refugium is consuming phospates and nitrates, so it is benficial... am I wrong? Ive got some cheato in my sump and a nice big ball of hair algae that I've been pretty prod of... it also profices refuge for copopods that eventually end up in the DT and feed the fish and inverts... correct me if I am wrong

 

[EvilMel]

What's the flow like through your sump? Are you getting any detritus building up?

 

[uf_gators]

Cool. I guess I am just freaking out a tad. My cheto is tumbling nicely. Some detritus but min. I suck it out on water changes. I have been running this way for for 5-6 months now . Just sump , 150 gallon rated skimmer ( CS1 ) to be exact, cheto in the middle chamber and then return pump in the las chamber. No filter socks , no media. All natural, all the live rock is in the display. I will try giving the fuge light a break for a week to see if that helps the cheto on growing again. 12 on at night and off 12 when the lights are on the DT.