Algae buidling up in overflow

[Andy O]

Tank has been up and running for 3 1/2 weeks now and I am noticing an algae buildup in my internal overflow -- water parameters are testing normal. There does not appear to be a build up anywhere else. Tank was filled with RO/DI as well as H2O from the tank that I transferred over from. Running 2 x 250 MH and 2 x 54 actinic. MH running 8 hrs/day and actinic 10 hrs/day.

Is this normal?

 

[OceanGuy]

If the tank that you transferred over from had some tap water, that could contribute to the algae. It is normal to have some in a new set up. A couple of Sally Lightfoot crabs and a cleaner shrimp will take care of that in no time.

The metal halides also help the algae to grow. I had a huge algae bloom in the first couple of months of running the 220 that I have in my classroom. It is clear now. I've been running some carbon and not overfeeding.

Good Luck.

 

[pantinor]

You might want to put a cover over that overflow to keep it dark in there.

 

[Nikkoli110]

I had a problem with this purple algae that grew on one of my rocks, and a piece must have gotten into my overflow, and it grew like nuts in there. I had just eggcrate over the top, so I just cut a piece of cardboard the size of the overflow, and stuck it over the eggcrate. Stopped the algae growing. I know people have said you can also put black acrylic cut to size, but this has done the job for the past month and a half. It probably grows so well because of all the flow and being close to the lights.

 

[Andy O]

Thanks.

 

[lactrain]

There is nothing wrong with algae growing in your overflow in most cases its common unless it becomes a nuisence...

Consider it to be your refugium ... and let it grow there ... just prune it back...

 

[delta]

There is nothing wrong with algae growing in your overflow in most cases its common unless it becomes a nuisence...

Consider it to be your refugium ... and let it grow there ... just prune it back...

well its ok unless it get loose and clogs your drain pipe I have had this happen. No flood but close

 

[Andy O]

What is the best way to clean out the overflow box. I don't want to dislodge pipes or anything like that.

 

[delta]

I would just cover the overflows so they dont get any light and it should die off

 

[Andy O]

what do you reccomend covering it with. I know that there is acrylic but what about anything else.

 

[delta]

any plastic that is opaque or something that will take a little water

 

[stevenp]

I would think anything opaque and preferably waterproof would do the job. All you want to do is block the light. A plastic notebook cover would probably work well.

Steve