How can I stop algae growth in overflow?

[Jan]

I have a very thick dense mat like algae growing in my overflow. How can i stop it from growing there? Once a week I scrape off what amounts to about the size of a golf ball. Does anyone know what kind of algae this is?

[Origami]

Could be almost anything, Jan. It could be hair algae or some kind of turf. Because you're harvesting it weekly, it's growth form may not be completely obvious. Your overflow is rich in oxygen and, if it's receving spilled over light, it's a great place to be if you're algae. You could cover the overflow to deny light to the area. That would stop or at least seriously slow growth. On the other hand, you could consider it your built-in turf algae scrubber and claim it's part of your natural biological filtration setup.

 

I came across this page some time back. It may be useful to you to identify the algae:

 

http://www.saltcorner.com/sections/guest/a...e/algaepage.htm

[Sikryd]

I cut an acrylic cover and painted it black. Pictures are in my tank build thread.

[sdah0414]

I have the same thing on my overflows. I just left it alone. I figured if it is growing there, it's not growing in my display and isn't a problem. If anything, it is consuming additional nitrates and phosphates. If you can see it from the display side, then I could see how it would be an issue.

[mogurnda]

I cut an acrylic cover and painted it black. Pictures are in my tank build thread.

Yep. Keeps the algae down and fish out.

 

Think of this as a demonstration of the benefits of herbivory. Same conditions as the display, but without herbivores, and you get globs of algae. I would bet on it being Derbesia.

[extreme_tooth_decay]

I have the same thing on my overflows. I just left it alone. I figured if it is growing there, it's not growing in my display and isn't a problem. If anything, it is consuming additional nitrates and phosphates.

 

 

+1

 

I'm a big believer in this kind of thing after I set up the big fuge and did water tests. This is small, but you are getting benefit out of it. If it isn't a problem (clogging hazard), I'd leave it alone...

[txaggies07]

+1

 

I'm a big believer in this kind of thing after I set up the big fuge and did water tests. This is small, but you are getting benefit out of it. If it isn't a problem (clogging hazard), I'd leave it alone...

 

+1...or 2...whichever. I agree completely. If you can see it from the side, then consider painting it. If not, I would leave it alone.

[zygote2k]

I have been making black abs overflow covers for people for some time now. If you'd like one, send me a template and I'll cut one out on the cnc machine.

[Jan]

How do I reply to everyone in one post?

 

I've been wanting a turf scubber. I just didn't know how to go about it. What a great idea.

 

I considered a cover about two weeks ago when my sixline ended up living in the overflow for four days. When i finally decided to get it out it was gone. I went to the sump and there it was.

 

Thanks everyone. These are all great ideas. Since the six line survived the overflow and getting to the sump safely and the algae doesn't clog or disrupt anything, I'm going to let it go au naturale.

Edited December 1, 2009 by Jan

[L8 2 RISE]

How do I reply to everyone in one post?

 

I've been wanting a turf scubber. I just didn't know how to go about it. What a great idea.

 

I considered a cover about two weeks ago when my sixline ended up living in the overflow for four days. When i finally decided to get it out it was gone. I went to the sump and there it was.

 

Thanks everyone. These are all great ideas. Since the six line survived the overflow and getting to the sump safely and the algae doesn't clog or disrupt anything, I'm going to let it go au naturale.

 

That would be my suggestion. Also, to reply to everyone, press the "quote" button to the right of the "reply" button and it should turn read, you can do this with as many of the quotes as you want. You can then hit "add reply" and all of the posts you selected should be there.

[Barebottomcorals_Ed]

I use foil to cover mine...seems to help A LOT

[davelin315]

The only thing to monitor is if it is going to become detached and block your overflow or if it grows so densely that it slows down your overflow and causes the main tank level to rise. I used to get some nice ulva sp. algae growing in one of the school overflows, but that tank is no more and has moved on to Leesburg and now nowhere!