Fuge light growing algae in my skimmer

[Aquaph8]

Anyone else have this problem in a cramped sump. I feel like im constantly cleaning algae off my skimmer walls where the fuge light shines in. Thoughts?

 

[CJO]

I have a very small sump (about 10 gallons) that houses my skimmer (SWC 160), intake for a GFO reactor, heater, temperature sensor, pH sensor, an ORP sensor and two water level floats. The actual area for my fuge is probably around 3 gallons. Throw in a snail or two. Also, are you growing macro algae in your sump to help compete?

CJ

 

[CoralFever]

Try a black piece of acrylic or something to block the light from the fuge.

 

[Aquaph8]

I thought about using something to block the light from reaching the skimmer, I might give it a shot.

 

[Aquaph8]

Also, are you growing macro algae in your sump to help compete?CJ

Yes, growing Macro algae is reason the light in there. Im not getting algae everywhere the light shines though. Its not really a nutrient issue in the tank but only in the skimmer. How do you contol nutrients inside a skimmer though, thats where they're suposed to go.

 

[Brad Syphus]

Try a black piece of acrylic or something to block the light from the fuge.

That's exactly what I did.

 

[Aquaph8]

Thanks guys, sound like a plan then.

 

[CJO]

Wow, I missed the most important word- skimmer. No, I don't put any snails in my skimmer! I also use an opaque piece of plastic to block the light from my fuge.

CJ

 

[Aquaph8]

Too late, I just dumped in a bunch. JK thanks CJ

 

[Troylee]

Tape a piece of a black trash bag on the side...;)

 

[Tabasco1]

Very interesting issue to consider. If one was building a sump/fuge would there be benefit to using black acrylic to divide the fuge from the skimmer in the design?

 

[Brad Syphus]

I think that would be a great idea Tabasco.

 

[melev]

I was up at Hobby Lobby yesterday and found some 3mm black foam sheets that were $1 each. About the size of a placemat. I'm planning on wrapping one side of my reactors to shield them from the refugium light to stop nuisance algae growth. I may apply it with velcro unless something else comes to mind. I have black zipties, but my skimmer's body is 12" in diameter. ;)

 

[Troylee]

You can always remove the skimmer and paint the side black with krylon fusion or the trashbag works just as well...

 

[melev]

Some of us don't want to paint our gear nor wrap it up like a homeless person. :D

 

[butts182]

of just use a piece of painted cardboard or something (i'm pretty ghetto obviously)

 

[melev]

That's only good until it gets wet. You can also use the pink or blue foam board sold at Home Depot / Lowes. It is easily cut with a utility knife.

 

[Troylee]

Some of us don't want to paint our gear nor wrap it up like a homeless person. :D

It's cold outside ahahahahahah lol... I don't have a fuge so i dont have this problem.. My new tank will have a frag tank built into the sump and for that reason I will use black acrylic on the walls... Just trying to think of cheap easy ways... Hmmmm how about a nice black shirt on your skimmer then it wouldn't look homeless ahahahahah

 

[Aquaph8]

Im working on a new build right now and a local plastic shop is making my sump. After starting this thread Im gonna ask them if they could make the baffle between the skimmer/fuge black. The baffles will also be removeable so if for any reason I want to go back to clear its no big deal.

 

[Aquaph8]

or naked.