Algae scrubber

[colossal]

Hello,
I’ve taken on the challenge of turning my 48 Bf LR tank into a reef. Needles to say I had neglecte the aquarium for about two years. Nothing was in the tank aside from LR and LS but every time I turn on the lights I had an hair algae bloom. After some research I sense cooked my LR for about a month and a half, up graded my sump (trigger sys 30) and my skimmer to the Skimz 201, added an ATO, and I finally got my reeflink back online so I was able to adjust my lights. My Lights are currently running at 25% strength, 100% UV 0% RB, 100% blue, 19% cool white, 4% green and 0% hyper red they go for about 10.5 hr
I was looking online and came across a algae scrubber DYI...so I did....it’s only been running for about a week and 1/2 but I’m starting to get some growth. I run it for about 12-18 hrs (depending on when I remember) Does anyone else have experience with cultivating algae? Any dos and dont’s? Since the large water change and with all the mods I haven’t had any issue. My test have been in range I think
Alk 9.8-10.6
Mag 1400-1480
Cal 490-520
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0-10
Ph 7.5
Kh 80-120
Hardness is off the charts 180+
In the tank I have a scopes tang, 1 dam and watchmana about 7 trochus, 2 pep shrimp, one purple urchin (that’s moving real slow) newly added about 4 days ago. I have about 50lb LR and a 4x8 bio media in sump. I also added a fluval 206 to assist with filtration. I haven’t had any issue Any advice, recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. My 1st post well 2nd counting the intro pardon the run on...

 

[ihavecrabs]

Welcome to Reef2Reef @colossal

I have run a few different variations of algae scrubbers in the past. They are a great way to minimize algae in the display. The best recommendation I have is to ensure, once you begin growing coral, you are testing and watching phosphate and nitrate as the algae is not only competing with algae in the display, but also corals as well.

 

[colossal]

Welcome to Reef2Reef @colossal

I have run a few different variations of algae scrubbers in the past. They are a great way to minimize algae in the display. The best recommendation I have is to ensure, once you begin growing coral, you are testing and watching phosphate and nitrate as the algae is not only competing with algae in the display, but also corals as well.

Thanks for the info, I neglected to mention that I’m also running a filter sock (right now) with GFO but I didn’t think about that, I’ll keep that in mind if my corals aren’t growing. Thanks again.