Egg crate = phosphates?

RaeRae · Jun 27, 2013

I need some info. I set up a frag tank and of course I have egg crate in it. The white stuff from LOWS. I also have a algae scrubber on it to control what phosphates the tank might have. As well I have GFO in a high flow area in a bag. I am still getting a string algae on the egg crate. Will it go away over time? Can I soak it in something so it will not leach? Any help would be Great.

Ron Reefman · Jun 28, 2013

I'd like to offer a better solution, but I've only found 1 solution for stopping algae growth on white egg crate... well 2 really.

1) Paint it with Krylon Plastic Fusion paint (I did black). Make sure it's really clean and coat it several times. This works reasonably well... sort of...
2) Throw it away and by black egg crate. This is a permanent solution. It costs more, but it's 100% effective for me.

Vw reef · Jun 28, 2013

RaeRae said:
I need some info. I set up a frag tank and of course I have egg crate in it. The white stuff from LOWS. I also have a algae scrubber on it to control what phosphates the tank might have. As well I have GFO in a high flow area in a bag. I am still getting a string algae on the egg crate. Will it go away over time? Can I soak it in something so it will not leach? Any help would be Great.

I haven't and the same success both with painting it or buying the black kind nor does my Lfs. I would suggest being good about your nutrient export so as to reduce leaching problems when they occur.

Vw reef · Jun 28, 2013

Additionally I feel it's important to note that the egg rate is in my display tank as frag tanks tend to be setup a bit differently then displays unless plumbed together.

Zero Nitrates · Jun 28, 2013

Maybe add a yellow tang.

ontop27 · Jun 28, 2013

Zero Nitrates said:
Maybe add a yellow tang.

Great idea without knowing the size of the tank..its a frag tank its probably 20 gallons...

Definitely get rid of the white, i had the same problem before. The last one i painted blue and the problem stopped

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nater · Jun 28, 2013

it will go away over time. it's basically going through a hard cycle. it prbably is leaching phosphates , but you are also basically adding something that has not even been cured into the tank. my expierence is with anything i add to the tank , i like to soak it in some saltwater for at least 2 weeks or more before adding to the display. or putting it in the sump where there is no light , then adding it to the main display. you could try using some acrylic cut from your local glass shop. acylice i found has less algae bloom when added directly to the system without curing. white cheap home depot egg crate also is very pourous whcih means there is alot of trapped air in it, which is where the phosphates are held. it will take time for that to go away. just pull it out and clean off all algae with a tooth brush or something. it will take time to subside.

RaeRae · Jun 28, 2013

Thanx for all the info. I decided to just take it out and just start buying the large frag disc. And place them in the sand. The tank is a 30 breeder so a tang is out of the question. I put a Lawnmower blenny in their to keep it cleaned up. I will try a small experiment by taking small pieces and soaking them one in bleach and one in vinegar for a week. Then in plain saltwater in a bucket for a couple days. Then try it again.

O.Buckshank · Jun 28, 2013

How come white egg crate will grow algae but not black or blue? This doesn't make any sense, as it is probably just more visible on the white.

The issue here is most likely high phosphates (which are probably testing low due to the algae consuming them)

You say you run GFO in a high flow area? Is this in a media bag? How much and how often is it changed? GFO is most effective with water being pushed through it, typically via a reactor and pump. With GFO just sitting in a bag, it will clump together very easily, and the water will basically just go around it, essentially rendering it worthless...

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ontop27 · Jun 28, 2013

I don't think it's the color I think it's because we are sealing away the bad things
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NanaReefer · Jun 28, 2013

Check out, The Blue Glow for frag racks. Awesome!!

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RaeRae · Jun 28, 2013

I had NO algae before I put the egg crate in their. It's not on my rocks, I have to clean the glass every 4 or 5 days. Gfo was put in when I started getting algae on the egg crate. It IS THE EGG CRATE! This is not my first tank so please let's keep this thread on the egg crate issue. Seems several other people have had the same issue.

O.Buckshank · Jun 28, 2013

RaeRae said:
I had NO algae before I put the egg crate in their. It's not on my rocks, I have to clean the glass every 4 or 5 days. Gfo was put in when I started getting algae on the egg crate. It IS THE EGG CRATE! This is not my first tank so please let's keep this thread on the egg crate issue. Seems several other people have had the same issue.

Lol chill Winston!

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SloppyJ · Jun 28, 2013

Ive noticed the same thing with white egg crate. I ended up taking it out of my system.

Soehl · Jun 28, 2013

I have nothing but BLACK egg crate. I have the same issue. It grows algae when there is none anywhere else in the tank.

I am thinking it is a flow problem... Think about it. Sure there is pleny of flow across the top and bottom of the egg crate but how about through the crate. I am almost sure that is my problem. I am even thinking of putting mine at an angle to increase flow.