Could be the flow pattern. I get a little hair algae from time to time... usually in one or two spots but not the whole tank... thank God.

Just a comment... I thought the rock work looked really good before adding the piece to join them together.

I have seen some tanks that have a channel through the middle and they look great once coral starts to grow in and around the area.

Rock work looks good though. Did you use PVC or something to create the arches?

the liverock just stacks like that natural and fits perfectly together like that and remains very stable.

the piece in the middle is flat piece of dry coral. its only about half an inch thick, so it doesnt actually join the rock. it sits behind the rock almost near the glass

ok so i've modified the emperor 400 that came with my tank and turned it into a HOB refugium (with light) ((pictures will come soon))

now anyone know where i can get that cheato micro algae stuff?
the stores i went to today didnt have it

I know Red Coral had some. Steve gave me some a while ago. AI has it as well.... its $13 for a handful or something like that.

If you start a thread asking for some... I am sure you can get it for nothing.

I was at red coral yesterday and the lady said they didn't have any.

Ask Steve. He is usually in after 430pm.

heres a few pictures of the HOB refugium i made.

currently lit with LEDs ..... anyone know if this will be enough for Cheato or should i put a fluorescent bulb in there?


with the lid on
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._8280491_n.jpg

lid off
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._3644074_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7723769_n.jpg

made it out of mirrored plexiglass.

i think im gonna put another piece on the front to block the view into it and stop the light from spilling into the tank

little trial and error..... if i stick with the LED lights then i dont have to use the mirrored enclosure....

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._3610252_n.jpg

but if i have to switch to a more powerful bulb ill need to raise the lid

How close are the lights?

Keep in mind that the closer they are the more salt build up they will get. And they will get salt creep.

If the part you have installed is not "water safe" (for lack of better term) you could have other issues as well, as salt is a conductor for electricity.

Most light fixtures that are open to the water have some sort of seal around the connector ends.

Just a thought.

I have to say very good little set up. Almost like you have done this before!