Blocking Light in Sump?

[eternitybc]

Our sump is growing a massive amount of algae (and not the good kind). Our skimmer and equipment need constant cleaning.

Would like to block the light from the refigium and the rest of the sump...ideally we would have used black glass for that piece, but too late now.

I originally though of getting a piece of black non translucent acrylic, 1/8 or 1/16 thick. Then I was wondering if there are any other options? Is there anything thinner? I would have to get the acrylic or glass in 3 pieces to fit it in. Has anyone else used anything successfully?

[intarsiabox]

How long is your photoperiod for the refugium lights? How about phosphate levels? The refugium shouldn't be causing the algae problems and I think you should look at other causes before blacking out sump compartments.

[MKLKT]

Originally Posted by intarsiabox

How long is your photoperiod for the refugium lights? How about phosphate levels? The refugium shouldn't be causing the algae problems and I think you should look at other causes before blacking out sump compartments.

I'm inclined to agree, the lamp I have in my sump is a basic Can Tire shop light that isn't exactly spot focused and it bleeds light into the rest of the sump while on (12hrs) and I don't have any appreciable growth of anything other than the macro algae. The clear vinyl tubing has a bit of coralline algae but that's about it. Work on stopping what's feeding the nuisance algae and it'll go a lot further for your tank's health.

[mark]

what type of bulb?

[Skimmerking]

having the algae in your sump is better then in your Main tank. I would try to block off the skimmer, I would rather clean the skimmer more then pull the crap out of the main display tank.

[GMGQ]

Go to the craft store and get a sheet of corrugated plastic. Cheap, light weight, and easy to cut.