Refugium Light Spill in Sump

[choss]

I currently run a Kessil H80 on a 20" cube trigger systems ruby sump. It is a relatively small sump and i get a decent amount of light spill into the main chamber with my protein skimmer. I'm seeing a decent amount of algae growth in the skimmer and the compartment holding the skimmer. Here is a top down shot. I'm looking for some sort of black acrylic clip on shield to keep the light out of the main skimmer section. Looking to see what others have done to address this issue.

 

[Anthony Kochevar]

Look and see if you can do something with black styrene craft sheets from amazon. The 0.30 inch thick is easy to cut and work with.

 

[Crabs McJones]

I run into the same issue with my Trigger Crystal 30 sump. Following along for others responses

 

[choss]

Look and see if you can do something with black styrene craft sheets from amazon. The 0.30 inch thick is easy to cut and work with.

cool. I will check it out

 

[choss]

I run into the same issue with my Trigger Crystal 30 sump. Following along for others responses

Crabs you are everywhere! I miss the old avatar. One thing I did try out was a modular marine black 10 gallon tank divider but its not really cutting it. I will test out the amazon styrene suggestion. My issue is I need some sort of handy clips to attach the material to the top brace.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Crabs you are everywhere! I miss the old avatar. One thing I did try out was a modular marine black 10 gallon tank divider but its not really cutting it. I will test out the amazon styrene suggestion. My issue is I need some sort of handy clips to attach the material to the top brace.

Issues with the avatar made me change it. Won't go into detail though

 

[Fin]

I used doubled up plastic black needlepoint canvas (Hobby Lobby or Michaels). Secured in place on the bottom of the sheets with magnets.

 

[choss]

I like that approach. are the magnets waterproof?

 

[Fin]

I like that approach. are the magnets waterproof?

Yes. Plastic coated and have been in use for at least 3 years. They still look just like the new ones in the picture. No corrosion.

 

[choss]

Fin I didn't even pay attention to who was posting - thanks for chiming in! Do you recall where you got these magnets?

 

[Fin]

I did use two sets of magnets on each sheet though, not the one set shown in the picture.

 

[Pongo]

You can also search Amazon for "PVC sheets".
2mm thickness is easy to work with, you can cut it with trauma shears.

 

[Fin]

Fin I didn't even pay attention to who was posting - thanks for chiming in! Do you recall where you got these magnets?

Yes, K&J Magnetics - LINK

 

[drtrash]

So far i only see crabs with an issue with the 380 cannon, i use a 1/8" xpanded pve piece to shield refugium and may consider hanging a piece of sun shade to cut down light and have air flow

 

[Bmasculine]

I’m having the same issue. Thought about lowering light down closer to top of sump, on a diy arm that I could fold up out of my way when cleaning.

 

[MSOEME2009]

I made this:

 

[Bmasculine]

That’s clean looking, I may look into doing that just around skimmer, I have some extra black pvc board. I like this idea better than building a wall.

 

[choss]

I’m having the same issue. Thought about lowering light down closer to top of sump, on a diy arm that I could fold up out of my way when cleaning.

Dude your sump and mine are very similar!

 

[choss]

I made this:

That looks slick.

 

[cracker]

I used black plastic cardboard. I found sheets at the home depot.