Slime Producer - Any next steps?

[wrightpc]

I have had my algae scrubber running for a number of months, and its a 'slime' producer.
I did read on this forum that the slime removes more nutrients (good).
I have noticed that my nitrates have reduced to < 25 , which is good

I have a RAIN2 installed and have all four lights running on an 18 hour on/6 hour off schedule.
I started running all 4 lights after suggestions from this forum to do so .



Questions:
When or how do I transition from growing slime to where I'm growing green algae - or will I always be growing slime?
Should I just maintain the same pattern that I am doing? I clean the screen and base maybe every 4-5 days

Thanks
8137

[SantaMonica]

Looks like too much light. Try 3 lights. And make sure flow is solid across the bottom of the screen. If the same after a week, then do 2 lights on one side, and no lights on the other side.

[wrightpc]

Thank you .

I reduced the lighting to 2 on one side and I do get more slime growth ( see picture )
I'll maintain this setting for a while and see how it goes.
I normally clean the screen every 4 days.
Will the slime growth slowly convert over to normal green algae growth as my tank nitrate/phosphates conditions reduce ?

8146

[SantaMonica]

Much better. If this pic is 4 days, then do 3 days, and clean the tray too. As nutrients in the water come down, the slime will get less dark, and a bit thicker, and you can add 1 light on the other side and go back to 4 days.

Waterfalls have trouble holding on to slime because they are not supported under water, but as you can see the textured tray helps so that the slime does not flow away.