2 weeks since setup, clean the screen? [Archive]

Foo

01-13-2013, 01:27 AM

Been two weeks today since I setup the screen, I believe santamonica said to wait the 2 weeks before cleaning initially then 1 week thereafter.

What's the best way to clean it? Just a light scrape with a credit card for example?

It has alot of brown gunk and spots of green algae over it.

Skinnysloth

01-13-2013, 02:45 AM

I use a credit card to clean the screen. To discourage growth that may block water flow near the top, I use a toothbrush for a more thorough cleaning. As for the interval between cleaning, I usually let it go 2 weeks if the growth is green without signs of die off.

Garf

01-13-2013, 03:12 AM

As above but this early in the screens development you'll probably find it just washes off, with a gentle fingertip rub.

Foo

01-13-2013, 03:26 AM

wash it off in old salt water?

Garf

01-13-2013, 03:28 AM

Tap water. Marine algae is extremely resistant to changes in salinity. The tap water also gets rid of pods, which may be eating the algae.

Foo

01-13-2013, 04:00 AM

okay, cheers.. is it not a problem getting residual tap water in the tank?

Garf

01-13-2013, 04:03 AM

Won't cause any problem, as the volume is tiny. If your worried you can always rinse over with a bit of tank water before you put the screen back on.

RkyRickstr

01-13-2013, 08:06 AM

Or with a bit of RO water.

Foo

01-13-2013, 08:12 AM

here is pics of both sides before I cleaned it.. any thoughts on how it's coming along:

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/Luke_Skyballer/IMG_1462_zps03e260e7.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/Luke_Skyballer/IMG_1461_zps797bbea4.jpg

Floyd R Turbo

01-13-2013, 10:55 AM

It's thin growth, but it does look green. the clods of green should spread. Clean them off an scrub a little at the dark stuff (not hard) to get to the screen below. The areas where you can still see the "holes" - leave those pretty much alone. Just a slight rub with the fingertips.

Floyd R Turbo

01-13-2013, 10:56 AM

It's thin growth, but it does look green. the clods of green should spread. Clean them off an scrub a little at the dark stuff (not hard) to get to the screen below. The areas where you can still see the "holes" - leave those pretty much alone. Just a slight rub with the fingertips. (all under room temp running tap water)