How to make algae grow in sump

[dib]

I've heard that you can make algea grow in the sump or refugium. How does that process work and what would I need?
I cleaned this glass 3 days ago.....and its covered again. My sump is crystal clear. I have the light in a reverse cycle. And as you can see my skimmer is taking out lots of nastiness. Thanks for any tips

 

[mfinn]

First thing I would do is put some macro algae such as chaeto in the compartment where the light is. Otherwise you are just wasting electricity with the light.

 

[mrcoffee2]

Not entirely... It can help keep PH stable.

 

[GHill762]

Not entirely... It can help keep PH stable.

not unless something is using the light for photosynthesis.. otherwise it's just lit water..

 

[Mstanker]

How long are you letting the lights in the DT run for. Also how many W is the light in the sump and I would also go with putting some kind of macro algae in the sump to help your system.

 

[JOKER]

What kind of flow do you have in display? A little flow will help keep algae off the glass, it wont completely stop it but will slow it down.

 

[Reef Junky150]

Run sump light 24/7 for a month. You will get algae down their

 

[dib]

The display lights: 8:30am Blue lights, 9:30 White/blue, 7:30pm whites off, 9pm off, sump light comes on. The sump light is a 5w DM-5e from reef radiance. (It was free! and can't beat free) I have a power head shooting across the front pane and that grows the fastest. I do want macro for the sump. Is it better to have a few different kinds? I like the reds and greens mixed. I'm thinking chaeto, Fire Fern, Gracilaria, Codium, and mangroves. I think they would be cool sticking out the top. Any pros/cons on any of these. Would my light be enough. Any other tips

Thanks

 

[beaslbob]

Run sump light 24/7 for a month. You will get algae down their

+1

basically you add light and the algae will come. Macros like chaetomorphia are good also.

so add macro and light and you should be all setup.

Just have some method (screen or foam or whatever) to keep the macros in the refugium section.


my .02

 

[zesty]

+1

basically you add light and the algae will come. Macros like chaetomorphia are good also.

so add macro and light and you should be all setup.

Just have some method (screen or foam or whatever) to keep the macros in the refugium section.


my .02

Light and may I add low flow in your sump macro section.

 

[hawkinsrgk]

I would do the following

1. Turn off lights on display tank and cover for 3 days. Only remove cover to feed fish.
2. Move rocks from refugium section and put in skimmer section.
3. Add Chaeto to the now empty section where the light is
4 Run the refugium lights 18 on 6 off
5. Lower the refugium light. It is way too high