Algae Scraper...alternative

[Gripenfelter]

So instead of running a complicated algae scraper I tried something else.

I had a ton of snails (small and large), 2 large starfish, and 2 small starfish. Still had so much algae on the glass that I had to use the magnet cleaner almost daily or every second day.

Then I decided to stuff the refugium full of chaeto algae to the point where it was coming out of the water or breaking the surface (this is key), I did this by adding some live rock rubble under it.

And voila...been 6 weeks. Haven't touched my magnet cleaner. The chaeto breaking the surface of the water reduced the algae by about 90%. Snails and starfish take care of the rest.

Running tap water.

[Ross]

Interesting...

[born]

what kind of light do you have for your refuge?

[Jackie]

Very interesting, what make you say breaking the surface is the key?

[Gripenfelter]

Originally Posted by Jackie

Very interesting, what make you say breaking the surface is the key?

I was analyzing how the scrubber works and also noted that algae travels across the surface of the water not so much through it. So when I had the chaeto algae break the surface of the water it turned purplish brown with algae. Using a 18 gallon tub for a 120 gallon tank.

Using a small 18" fluorescent light that is on 24/7. I don't notice any swings in my PH. Stays constant between 8.13-8.18.

[MarkoD]

I have a 30 gallon tank full of cheato. Lit by two 24" t5ho bulbs from top and one from side through the glass.

My floats from the amount of bubbles it creates. My nitrates have been low since day 1.

[Gripenfelter]

I'm planning the same thing for my new 300 gallon setup. 100 gallon sump with a large area for chaeto. I'll post a pic tonight or tomorrow of the current setup.