Looking to ID Algae in Sump

[Myka]

Originally Posted by CHEAPREEF

Would def watch out running one of these, the LED's wrapped around acrylic have been known to cause stress cracks and eventually fractures. The don't generate a lot of heat but when it's pressed directly onto the surface like that it is focused enough to be a issue.

I was just thinking...are those cases from people using bare LED strips? I use the "waterproof" ones that have a silicone covering so the silicone is what touches the acrylic, not the LED itself.

[DKoKoMan]

Originally Posted by Myka

I was just thinking...are those cases from people using bare LED strips? I use the "waterproof" ones that have a silicone covering so the silicone is what touches the acrylic, not the LED itself.

I have been looking in to this a bunch. Many vendors are still selling the reactor packages with the led lights wrapped around. I’m wondering if this happens over time as the acrylic gets older, constantly being heat up and cooled. I’m not sure, the reactors used most often are the AquaMaxx though.

[CHEAPREEF]

Originally Posted by DKoKoMan

I have been looking in to this a bunch. Many vendors are still selling the reactor packages with the led lights wrapped around. I’m wondering if this happens over time as the acrylic gets older, constantly being heat up and cooled. I’m not sure, the reactors used most often are the AquaMaxx though.

Yes that is exactly what it is heat/stress over time. And you'll see it on the AquaMaxx, TLF and the like reactors first as they would most likely be using extruded acrylic where the higher end will use Cast. Both will eventually stress crack from the heat/cooling stress.

Most actual Algae reactors coming out now are the center lite versions with a heatsink running LEDS ran inside a center tube. No heat issues as the heatsink removes that issue. I was planning on doing a DIY version of one of these since it would be super easy, but I have no need for any nutrient export. I actually dose nirtates to keep them detectable.

https://reefbuilders.com/2015/11/12/...-chaetomorpha/

[DKoKoMan]

Those setups are so sweet with the internal light tube but so pricey. I have a ball of chaeto in my sump right now but haven’t saw any growth out of it really. How long does chaeto normal take to see noticeable growth with nitrate and phosphates present?

I’m jealous that you need to dose nitrates. I’m hoping with the upgrade in tank that my bioload is reduced a bit that it lowers in the water volume. Otherwise I will have to stick to the chaeto and vinegar dosing.

[CHEAPREEF]

Originally Posted by DKoKoMan

Those setups are so sweet with the internal light tube but so pricey. I have a ball of chaeto in my sump right now but haven’t saw any growth out of it really. How long does chaeto normal take to see noticeable growth with nitrate and phosphates present?

I’m jealous that you need to dose nitrates. I’m hoping with the upgrade in tank that my bioload is reduced a bit that it lowers in the water volume. Otherwise I will have to stick to the chaeto and vinegar dosing.

I'm not sure on the chaeto growth, I had some in my sump when I started and it started falling apart and died on me. I can't seem to grow it at all. I only run a skimmer, real live rock and Brightwell Xport brick in the sump. I don't carbon dose or anything like that. I dose nirtates to keep them detectable and Iron once a week.

[Myka]

Originally Posted by DKoKoMan

I have been looking in to this a bunch. Many vendors are still selling the reactor packages with the led lights wrapped around. I’m wondering if this happens over time as the acrylic gets older, constantly being heat up and cooled. I’m not sure, the reactors used most often are the AquaMaxx though.

Well that issue can certainly be worked around. I haven't seen it become an issue though. I'll keep an eye out for it.