Dark brown screen

[vira]

Having built an ATS,thanks to SM 1000 model,with a screen ordered from eBay,and run for few days, I found that the screen starts to become of brown color.(I have a lot of brown algae in my display tank).I wonder if this is useful for filtration and for how long it will become green ? By the way, I,ve stopped using Na3 and Ph removers the 1st day and to-day, I decide to cut the refugium filtering ( removing weed and cut lighting ). Will this help ?

[maglofster]

It takes a couple of weeks (to months depending) for the screen to fully mature and start growing green hair algae. It's usually brown the first couple of cleanings. It does still filtrate and remove N & P although not at full capacity.

[vira]

Thanks, and one more question plse. At day 7,should I clean the screen well to remove the dark brown algae or should I clean just one side of it ?

[redadeath]

clean it all very well green dont grow unless the brown removed

[vira]

appreciated.

[vira]

It is coming to reality. This is my screen at week 2 using a home made SM 1000.

[maglofster]

Looks nice!

[SantaMonica]

!!!