Lots of Red or brown algae in overflow box

cchomistek · #1 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 12:55 AM

Why would I have alot of red or brown algae in my display tank. We had alot of algae that is now 95% gone, some green hair and some red slime. We purchased a sea hare and some more snails and they seam to be taking care of most of it There is still some red and some green hair in the display tank. Also in the refugium there is quite a bit of red slime algae and some cheato macro algae that seems to be doing well. Could this be the cause of it?

olsaltybastard · #2 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 01:15 AM

If you are growing chaeto then it should be accepted that other forms of algae are also going to take hold in your fuge. As for the stuff in your display, it sounds like you are nearing the aftermath of an algae bloom. There will ALWAYS be algae in your tank. The idea is to keep it within reason through whatever form of filtration you deem necessary for your display.

cchomistek · #3 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 01:44 AM

I agree I think that the algae bloom is somewhat coming to an end!! Which is awesome to see!! Is it normal to have alot of algae growth red, brown and some green in your overflow box?? Or will this also go away once the algae bloom is over??

olsaltybastard · #4 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 01:53 AM

The stuff inside the overflow box is usually always there. There is much less grazing going in there and usually nobody puts a powerhead inside there to blow anything off. I don't touch the algae inside my overflows. If it can grow there, then so be it. It hurts absolutely nothing and essentially removes nitrates (though not a lot.) If you remove it, it's only going to grow back again. Once your bloom is over, all that is really going to happen is that one type of algae will out-compete the others for the prime real estate that is your overflow box. Lots of running water and light are two key ingredients for algae growth.

**DaveK** · #5 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 03:46 AM

Algae control means controlling nitrates ane phosphates. We have just about talked this subject to death, so I direct you to our nuisance algae forum - http://www.reefaquariumguide.com/forum/nuisance-algae/

You'll find the four threads there will tell you just about everything and everyone's opinion on the subject.

cchomistek · #6 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 06:24 AM

Thanks for the replies, I know that this has been discussed in depth... I just didn't know whether it was normal to have alot of algae in the overflow box or not. I also know about the nitrate and phosphate levels being very important. I have 0 nitrates and now that most of my algae is gone I am thinking the phosphates are pretty good aswell. I have to get a test kit yet for that to make sure though!!

CC

**DaveK** · #7 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 11:12 PM

Overflow boxes tend to get a lot of algae for a few reasons. First, there is a lot of good water flow there, bringing any thing the algae can get right to them. Second, most live stock can't get inside it to graze, even if they wanted to.

So it's kind of normal. Be sure to keep this area clean, since if it clogs up, you get a flood.