Unintentional science project..

[eric.tech]

So on my current setup, 75g mixed reef tank, I have my sump and refugium inside the stand. I run some blue/red spectrum LED plant bulbs for my cheato and mangroves, but have run into a interesting side effect...

If you look up you’ll see all sorts of awesome colors, buuuttt I’m thinking it can’t be good.. now the question is, does anyone have any experience with eliminating this or should I just leave it be? The build up of bacteria/algae does create some sort of gas that releases from time to time as bubbles through the substrate. Hind sight is 20/20 and I should’ve block it off with some cardboard, but here we are.. though about blocking it off all together, but also thought about the decay and nutrient spike that it might cause.... maybe block it off a section at a time and allow the spike to dissipate? Any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[Big G]

If you get window screening and stretch it out over the bottom of the tank and, at a rate you think is best, keep adding layers of window screening. Eventually it will black out the bottom. I use the reverse method on the top of my tanks to allow light into the tank, peeling a layer off every few days for some corals and fish. Makes for a very gentle transition.

 

[tripdad]

I agree with your thoughts on a slow, gradual change. Other option is maybe lift sand , if it is very thin layer, then manually remove a small portion at a time. If deeper sand bed then I would not.

 

[eric.tech]

Thanks for the input! The idea to use screening is a great one. Should be a much smoother transition than just blocking it off.