Refugium Maintenance

The macroalgae started to take up 90% of the refugium and show some discoloration on the tips, so I removed them all and put back small samples of each. This method provides a good way to export nitrates from the main tank as long as the algae is intact and not dying. I keep 3 types of Red Macroalgae. Their common names are: red grape kelp, red feather kelp and gracilaria. The other macroalgae is "dragon's tongue". At some point, I'd like to add a green "Neptune's Shaving Brush" to break up the monotony of red.

This picture shows the refugium (Lifereefugium 20") featuring a 6" deep sand bed (DSB) and frag rack illuminated by power compact (PC) lighting.

Even after removing a majority of the macro algae growth, blue-green algae (BGA) or cyanobacteria can be seen growing on the macro algae as a fine, dark reddish, slimy film. It's also seen creating a coat over the DSB. I decided to take action by increasing the rate of flow for a few hours in the refugium. This action should help dislodge the film where it will be caught in the main tank's filter sock. After that, the macroalgae should be able to compete for nutrients and drive down the growth of the undesirable BGA.

Since moving the Emerald Crab to the main tank, the green bubble algae has taken a foot hold in the frag rack. I used a pair of forceps to help remove them. They'll go down the toilet where the water treatment plant will neutralize them. Again, once the Red Macroalgae get a boost from my efforts, they should out-compete the green bubble algae for nutrients.