Algae Tank Concept - Comments Please

[Muttling]

Greetings all,

I run a 29 gallon bow front with an in-tank sump. (Photo below)

I'd like to get an algae tank going for nutrient export. My concept is to run a closed loop through a sealed column similar to my kalk reactor (second photo below.) Basically, I'd take out the top Y, move the double Y up, install a longer section of clear acrylic tubing, and connect a small pump to the double Y for closed loop circulation. Finally, I'd mount a small light in the stand beside this column.

I would also use some egg crate to build a support rack and make sure the algae stays in the column, but that's getting a little detailed at this point.

Questions...

1 - Anyone tried anything like this?

2 - Am I likely to have a problem with nuissance algea build up on the sides of the tube blocking the light?

3 - What's the best species of macro for this? (Chaeto?)

4 - What's the best light for this? It will be in the already crowded stand of a 29 gallon so I don't want to go with a 75 watt bulb from HD that puts out a good bit of heat. What's a good light for macros that doesn't generate too much heat?

 

[mellen]

There is a LOA (reflector floodlamp) bulb used by a lot of folks - it is 75watt Equivalent, but actually uses much less wattage (a power compact fluorescent), and it runs cool enough to touch it with your fingers. Could use Chaeto, like you said, in clear tube, but how easy is it to get at for thinning it out, i.e.; exporting nutrients? Otherwise, it should work o.k.... just remove one third to half of new macro growth to export and stimulate faster re-growth/absorption.

 

[sjvl51]

Make sure you can clean the tube would be my suggestion. I am using this light http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=313318 over my refuge and unless I clean the walls on a regular basis, I get a build-up of corraline algae and other algae. The corraline being the harder to remove.

Vickie

 

[Muttling]

If you'll note, there is a clean out plug in the top of that set up. You just unscrew the plug to access the chamber and then screw it back in with a little teflon tape. It's not as elogent as the acrylic flanges, but it's real cheap.

Thanks for the info on the light. I'm still a bit out from having time to do this, but I'm pretty sure I'll put one together. I'll post it here when I get it installed.

I'm hoping I can get away with only having to pop it open once a month to harvest/clean.