How do public aquariums avoid algae?

[Ernie Mccracken]

Feeling insecure about my gravel vac now

 

[pixelhustler]

It varies depending on the life support systems involved. For marine mammal pools, ozone and low dose chlorine help control algae.

For fish-only exhibits, control is through managing lighting, nutrients and then manual removal.

For reef exhibits, control is the same with your home aquariums, removal by CUC and nutrient management.

In some cases, algae is left to grow, except on the front viewing window.....

Jay

The sand and rock work on the smaller reef exhibits was so clean that it really caught my eye. They ran pretty dim lights though, and I imagine nutrients from feeding dilute pretty quickly when you use new ocean water turnover as a means of nutrient export. But yes, props to them for keeping things pristine. Some of the acrylic panels were pretty scuffed so I know they’re putting in the work

 

[pixelhustler]

Feeling insecure about my gravel vac now

Incredible