Refugium flow & brown algea on sand

[GatorDrew]

I'm looking for some advice here. I've just setup a "display" refugium. So, I'm trying to have it be as efficient as possible and also look the best as possible. I know it's probably kinda difficult, but I really no choice.

Anyway, the tank is fully cycled, etc. The main tank is 90G and the refugium is 29. Flow in the tank is probably 20x/hr and refugium is probably around 3x/hr.

Just recently though, my refugium started to get the great brown algae on top of the sand. So far, I've moved a few ceriths, one turbo, and one sand sifting snail over there. However, I've began to wonder... should I just get a REALLY weak power head (perhaps Koralia nano) and put it in there to bring in a bit more flow.

Anyway, your input is appreciated! Thank you!

 

[ooja3k]

how long has the tank been up and running?? it sounds like a diatom bloom, and that should go away..

 

[GatorDrew]

Good question...

Ok, so the tank was established for one year. However, I moved about 7 hours north. Before the move I sold all my fish as I didn't believe they would make it. However, I kept all LR and critters. When I moved into my new place (a bit over a month ago) I got new LS and some new macro algae. The tank has been flourishing since... coraline coming back, etc. I'm also giving the tank a fair share of DT's Phytoplankton.

So... the rock has been established for over a year. However, the entire aquarium... only a month or so.

All critters are doing superb, btw. No fish yet.

 

[ooja3k]

Hmm.. Im a little stumped.. If your tank were only 2 or 3 weeks old i would tell you without question that it is a diatom bloom... but who knows...

there might have been a little mini cycle after everything got moved and everything so that could be the cause of a secondary diatom bloom...

 

[Grins]

I'd say it's due to the move and setting up again. Disturbing the sandbed and rocks has done that to mine before.

 

[tankanator]

Sounds like a diatom bloom to me and will go away, it was probably as other people said due to your move.

 

[mosthated]

as far as the power head in the fuge, it wouldnt hurt, you dont want the water to flow in/out of the fuge to fast but circulation in the fuge wouldnt hurt to much, only down side i can see is to much circulation would keep some of the waste from settling on the sand bed. assuming you have a DSB in there.

 

[Amphiprion]

mosthated is right on. If your main goal is macroalgae growth for nutrient absorption, then good flow is crucial. Like mosthated said, you don't want the flow-through rate that high, but internal circulation should be brisk. It helps with algae issues and it encourages macroalgae growth.