Unable to grow Chaetomorpha on Angae Reactor

[Andre Duarte]

Hi hobbyist,
I have a Pacific Sun Algae Reactor on my 53 gallon tank to reduce Phosphates. I have started with 1.6ppm of phosphates and now down to 0.4ppm after 1 year.
The Chaetomorpha was growing ok on the first months but soon stopped growing and become rounded by mud like green algae. I have replaced Chaetomorpha and cleaned the reactor a few months ago but now Chaetomorpha is dying again. Initially I had about 8 hours of light on the reactor but recently increased to 24/7 but no success.
Around the light tube I notice the Chaetomorpha is white and it is totally covered in other green algae.
Today I have removed 90% of the Chaetomorpha and cleaned the reactor once again.
What should I do now? Is the light provided by the Pacific Sun Algae Reactor far from optimal for Chaetomorpha?
Please take a look into the pictures attached.

 

[PeterC99]

Is something blocking the water flow through the reactor? Are you getting proper flow through the reactor?

 

[AlgaeBarn]

Is something blocking the water flow through the reactor? Are you getting proper flow through the reactor?

I agree the build up makes it looks like flow is restricted or maybe not enough to begin with?

 

[Andre Duarte]

Thank you @PeterC99 and @AlgaeBarn for the feedback.
I currently have a T from the return pump to the main display tank and the algae reactor, so I think I will remove the T and make all the water from the sump to the main display tank pass through the algae reactor to increase flow.
Will keep you posted of updates