algae still in main tank

[180rftank]

I have posted pics of my horizontal scrubber on here, and pretty much got the thumbs up from SM, and everybody else on the design, lighting, flow, etc. I still have not been able to completely eliminate the algae in the main tank. There definately has been a reduction, but there are still a lot of spots that are growing pretty well. Also, I have noticed some spots of a dark slime algae now appearing on some of the rocks. Scrubber has now been in place for about 3 months.

[SantaMonica]

pics

[180rftank]

of the scrubber, or main tank?

[SantaMonica]

More the better

[rygh]

I have had similar issues with my horizontal ATS, so you have my sympathy.

Works well, N/P are undectable, but some stubborn algae in the main tank just won't go away.
While it is LED based, I have tried CFL as well.
I have tried all sorts of lighting periods. More/less/twice per day.
Carefully measured flow, very rough screen. Checked all the usual problems.
And my ATS is significantly over-sized for my tank.
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=509 (http://www.algaescrubber.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=509)

I think the real problem is efficiency and competition.
If you read various threads, especially those by SM, the general consensus is that horizontal is less efficient.
Works of course, just not as well.
Unfortunately, to get rid of stubborn algae in the main tank, the algae in the ATS has to grow BETTER, and out compete it.
Which I think is not happening.

As I see it, I have 3 options:
1) Don't worry about it.
2) Add herbivores.
3) Build a higher efficiency vertical unit.

I tried #2, but no real luck. Probably do #3 someday soon.

[SantaMonica]

Yes, the scrubber just has to be stronger. You'll be amazed when you see it happen.

[Rumpy Pumpy]

what's wrong with a little bit of algae in the main tank?

[rygh]

Not too much "wrong" with a little algae in the main tank.
All personal aesthetics.
The little bits of short hair algae look ok to me. Adds a pretty green among the pink coralline.
But the bubble algae is quite annoying.
It does compete for space with zoos, although usually loses to other coral.
But as purple bubble algae ages, it turns white and breaks open, which is rather ugly.

[Rumpy Pumpy]

Not too much "wrong" with a little algae in the main tank.
All personal aesthetics.
The little bits of short hair algae look ok to me. Adds a pretty green among the pink coralline.
But the bubble algae is quite annoying.
It does compete for space with zoos, although usually loses to other coral.
But as purple bubble algae ages, it turns white and breaks open, which is rather ugly.


I have a few green bubbles. I quite like the look of them actually but am aware that they can take over and they do seem to be spreading slowly.

I'm hoping that the scrubber will starve them out, or at least stop their spread, but if they become a problem then I'll try a green Mithrax crab which I'm told will eat them.

[rygh]

The little green bubbles are pretty, yes. I have a few of those as well, but not a big issue.
The slightly bigger purple ones are the pain. Ugly things, and spread like crazy. Although they don't like really bright light.
I tried a Mithrax crab. He only ate the tiny ones, and only ate a small amount. It would probably take 20+ to keep up.
Supposedly when they get bigger, they can be a real problem as well.

[SantaMonica]

As your scrubber get stronger, the bubbles pop one last time and go away.

[rygh]

I definitely believe it.
In the areas that the bubble algae was growing marginally (in bright upper areas), they have done that.

Unfortunately, still growing well in the dimmer areas. And my horizontal ATS is not really changing or improving.
I even tried adding a bit of iron.

I have been planning my Rev3 vertical. Might start building this weekend.