Algae on glass in refugium

[Lonnie]

I have a 55 gal tank converted to a refugium.

1/4 fed by a skimmer, center 1/2 with Caulerpa & Miracle Mud, last 1/4 for return. Fed by a 700gph pump. It is lighted 24/7.

The section with skimmer has a few small aptasia on the glass.
The middle & return section has purple & brown algae on the glass, mainly the back side.

There are a lot of very small creatures moving on the glass, but only where there is no algae.

I added 2 snails to see if there was any benefit. They are eating all over, but not putting a dent in the algae. Adding a power head to the skimmer section seemed to help somewhat by adding some extra turbulence, but I did not want to put this into the section with the Caulerpa (which is growing very well) for fear of uprooting it.

Should I remove some or all algae from the glass or is it providing some benefit?

Should I add additional powerheads for more circulation?

Should I add more snails?


Any recommendations are appreciated.

Thanks,
Lonnie

 

[bpd964]

I leave the algae on the glass in the fuge. especially if it's coralline

 

[graveyardworm]

Remove the aiptasia with a razor and siphon tube to prevent them from spreading. My opinion on macro lighting is that there should be a dark period, but if its growing well then I'd say its okay, plenty of people also light their fuges 24/7 just fine. Aside from the viewing pane I just let the algae grow, the critters seem to enjoy the security it provides. Adding a few more snails would be okay if you want, maybe a couple turbos.