Hob Refugium Cleaning tips

[ryecoon]

Does anyone use a HOB Refugium? if so, Can you share photos of your current set up? I need some suggestions on how to clean it (Or if i should clean it at all and when) How do i know its running correctly. since there are all types of Algae growing in mine. I need to determine whether its healthy algae or nuisance algae. Any help would be appreciated.

In addition to the Algae Topic, Ive noticed that in my main display tank. I see reddish hair algae growing only on the plastic parts of my filter and powerheads..My question, Once hair algae starts growing into the main display tank. Do i just scrub the algae and increase the amount of waterchanges, Problem solved? or do i need to add some kind of medication or solution to the water as well? thanks

 

[Reefing Madness]

 

[NanaReefer]

I've been running the CPR Aquafuge medium 3.3g on my 26g for almost 3yrs now. I've got a 2" SB, big ball of chaeto & 1 8x6 piece of LR.
First year was a snap. Second year it was home to major cyano. Turned out to be lighting issue. Fixed. Still running great! Aside for the past cyano I've never had any type of nuisance algae outbreak. Chaeto grows great!
It has to be cleaned!!! I get major detritus build up on the SB. There's no way to put a sock on the intake either. I've yet to figure out how to add some sort of mechanical filtration to catch this stuff.
So yes, I siphon it out the best I can. Taking some sand at the same time. I'm thinking it would have been best to go bare bottom in it.
A pic is hard to get as it's mighty close to the wall-but tomorrow I'll try

As for the algae on your power heads and filter, not uncommon. Both areas are high nutrient/flow areas. Perfect conditions for algae. They too need to be cleaned. I do a good vinegar bath on a monthly bases.

 

[ryecoon]

I've been running the CPR Aquafuge medium 3.3g on my 26g for almost 3yrs now. I've got a 2" SB, big ball of chaeto & 1 8x6 piece of LR.
First year was a snap. Second year it was home to major cyano. Turned out to be lighting issue. Fixed. Still running great! Aside for the past cyano I've never had any type of nuisance algae outbreak. Chaeto grows great!
It has to be cleaned!!! I get major detritus build up on the SB. There's no way to put a sock on the intake either. I've yet to figure out how to add some sort of mechanical filtration to catch this stuff.
So yes, I siphon it out the best I can. Taking some sand at the same time. I'm thinking it would have been best to go bare bottom in it.
A pic is hard to get as it's mighty close to the wall-but tomorrow I'll try

As for the algae on your power heads and filter, not uncommon. Both areas are high nutrient/flow areas. Perfect conditions for algae. They too need to be cleaned. I do a good vinegar bath on a monthly bases.

Thank you for the great tip. Ok more questions

1. Regarding the lighting issue. how did you fix that? did you change it to a higher wattage or less? Im currently using an led light that was used for my old freshwater tank. What light are you using?