Controlling algae in the sump/refugium

[WhiskeyCoffee]

I have a 3 section sump, with one section being a refugium with chaeto. Over the last couple months the chaeto growth has been awesome with the lights on 7 hours while DT lights are off at night. I've noticed though that I've been getting -a lot- of green/brown algae growth and am wondering if it's risky having it in there. I noticed some really nasty brown/black algae growing on the outside of my filter sock which is what alarmed me first. I don't have any algae in my DT which is good.

I put one of my snails in the sump but haven't seen him in a while so maybe I need to look harder. How often do you guys clean your sumps or do you let them go wild?

 

[TbyZ]

Sounds like the illumination for the refugium is flooding the entire sump area. Thats why the other algae is growing the sock. I would'nt worry about the micro algae growing in the refugium, but you don't want in on the sock. Sheild it from the light.

 

[cubbyman60]

Following along. I have the same question. Macro grows, but so does other film algae.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

CUC in the fuge is always good. Snails mostly. In my sump now it's all pods stomas worms and limpits. But even they cant keep up. And yes if it gets gross get it out. It's a rotting vegetable after all. CUC will take care of breaking it down more it'll still be in there a while before it makes it through the dt and back to the sock and skimmer.

depending on where I'm at on feedings, detritus build up changes as well. I do occasionally clean the sump and scrape the walls and shake out the dust. I use a canister filter when I do it with floss only. Gets it out immedialty.
Detritus does play a big part in adding to your nutrients and also effects ph and Alk.
On the bright side , a funky sump is a good thing. Because if your sump ain't funky your display probably is.

 

[lion king]

My refugium looks disgusting, my display is mostly spotless. I would keep my filter socks clean and make sure you are getting proper flow. But other than that let it grow, better there than the display.

 

[WhiskeyCoffee]

Has anyone seen black algae on their filter socks? Also how could I block light from hitting the filter sock if my baffles are clear glass?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Has anyone seen black algae on their filter socks? Also how could I block light from hitting the filter sock if my baffles are clear glass?

I have some black on my overflow. I believe its dead algae. I personally not think you need to block light.

 

[Ocelaris]

I usually just wipe off what I can when I change the filter socks. I do have some light over spill onto the skimmer section, but it's manageable. The way I look at it, if I can easily clean it, it's just another form of an algae turf scrubber. A good brush, like the kind used to clean bottles comes in very handy cleaning hard to reach areas.