Sunlit Nano Tank

[WZHANG]

My tank sits on a west facing window that has become it's main source of lighting. The natural light is supplemented by an 18 watt power compact fixture, but the window is so bright that you wouldn't be able to tell the lights on. The pictures above were taken on an overcast day.

Tank was set up in early December, and has been sunlit for 3 weeks now. Corals responded very well to the new lighting, previously it was lit by a 150 watt metal halide. It is going through a big algae bloom. Mostly due to being a temporary home to the clarki clownfish. Which will be leaving soon. I'm hoping that once the fish is gone the various strands of macroalgae in the tank will out compete the nuisance ones. Does anyone have any opinions on how to get rid of the algae other than time?

Tank: 5.5 AGA with removed trim
Cirlulation: little TUNZE power head and a HOB filter
Filtration: macro algae and TUNZE nano skimmer
Temperature: 79F +-2
Temperature control: Medusa dual stage controller, dual clip on fan and 50 watt stealth heater.

thanks

 

[NanoReefWanabe]

some sort of phosphate remover should help clean up the problem i think...

i think the sunlight may be the problem though...not sure though..i was told to keep my tank out of direct sunlight..

 

[WZHANG]

I worry that phosban will prevent my wanted macros from growing as well as the unwanted. I found a few varieties, mostly hitchikers on my rockwork that are just barely growing, but growing.

I did notice the increase of algae with natural sunlight, but I feel that it can stabalize out, after all, sunlight works for nature. The tank gets a full blast for about 2-3 hours a day, due to having an awning as well as buildings across the way. Not sure how the summer is going to be, it may actually get less light.