Emergency overflow chamber and algae
 

Ive got 2 corner overflows on my tank, one is my main, the other emergency. Looking after maintenance items today and notice the emergency side is really gross with a sludge like goop around the drain, which was set up a few millimeters too low so it does drain a bit. I've also got hair algae in there. My thoughts are that there's no algae issues in the tank so is it harmful and should I clean it all out or leave it? I've got cheato in my sump and notice hair algae growing on the cheato as well.

I haven't tested anything. I'll be doing a water change later today so if required can make sure I have enough water to deal with the clean up of above.

What do others do with a dual drain system as far as maintenance is concerned? I've never drained that side to clean it.

Thanks

I only have one drain on my tank but I imagine you'd want to keep the emergency drain clear for when if ever it is needed.

i would leave it as the algae there is eating up any unwanted nutrients.
i would just clear a little bit around the pipe and leave the rest.
other things glow in the algae also. pods, snails, etc...

Thanks. The drain isn't blocked, it just has stuff growing. I thought it wouldn't be bad as is it does keep things out of the dt. I'll tidy it up a bit.

Loads of snails in my sump, can't see much in the way of pods tho....

All I do with mine is every couple of waters change I'll usually siphon out the sludge. No algae as overflow sides are covered in dark acrylic and lights don't shine into them.

I did not think about covering from lights. :redface:

Mine has bubble algae in it. Every couple of weeks I'll shut off the gate valve and force all the water through the emergancy drain into the sump, put a bag over the pvc pipe and catch it that way.