Algae Reactor Flowrate

[malx]

Hi, Everyone.

I have a 1.5L vertex reactor that runs off of my return manifold with 1/2" pipe.

My phosphates are around 0.4, kind of high, but the Calerpa isn't growing quickly. Could my flow be too strong? Would the macro benefit from more contact time with the water and a slower flow rate?

Let me know what you guys think!


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[mcgyvr]

No..no

.4 (assuming thats ppm and not .04) is pretty darn high IMO.. Rocks leaching it or just big time overfeeding?
Whats your nitrate level?

 

[RobZilla04]

A little trial and error wouldn't hurt. Slow the flow rate and see what the difference is.

As mentioned above, what's the Nitrate level? This could play a role as well.

 

[malx]

Nitrates are 5. It's .4 down from .8 and nitrates were almost 50. My skimmer wasn't wet skimming for a few weeks and I was feeding a lot. Cut down feeding to 2x a day and am wet skimming and I've gotten it down that far.


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[RobZilla04]

Appears nutrients are present. All that is left is flow and light. If the glass doesn't have a layer of film or algae reducing the light intensity, flow rate seems to be the last option.

 

[mcgyvr]

All that is left is flow and light.

And adjusting ones definition/assumptions of how fast algae should grow..

 

[malx]

I lowered the flow, let's see what that does.

 

[CoralNerd]

I lowered the flow, let's see what that does.

Old thread but did slower flow help the chaeto growth?