Mudd Filter Problems

[amstar15]

I have re-done my mud sump twice now. the macro algae always grows red algae (i believe) all over it and it looks horrible. the two large pieces of live rock i have in the bottom are also covered in scum. i have two powerheads in the sump to help move water around. i have approximately 40 watts of light on the sump as well there is no sign of algae, red algae, scum in the main tank. any ideas. i have taken all of the live rock, half of the mineral mudd and all of the macro algae out twice and started over.. each time it goes back to looking that way. harldy see any pods growing in the macro algae as well.

by the way i finally got my name changed from newbie15 to amstar15, due to alot of people saying the way my tank looked and was set up i was no longer a newbie

 

[Matthew5664]

I had a similer problem in my sump think it was to do with the PO4 build up?

I had little bubbles on the surface and it look like skimmate on the water surface.

Do you skim? before or after the ref? or elswhere?

Do you use phosphate removal media? carbon? before or after the ref?

Just a thought, try mixing some of the mud with water give it a shake and test for NO3 and PO4

 

[amstar15]

i do not skim at all. no carbon or phosphate removers in the sump either. if it was a po4 problem then why not in the main tank? i will try what you suggested and test the mudd with some water and see if the results are high. any other ideas?

 

[Matthew5664]

If the PO4 level is high them this may be the course. I would suggest testing the mud and the tank water. The reason for the growth in the sump and not the tank is there is 24h lighting (which I assume you are using) and the lack of grazers in the sump. Stick a couple of turbots and a crab or two in there. (Make sure that you have some egg crate to stop them from entering the return chamber with the pump in) And if you can afford to skim, do so! If not the use of carbon is very much recommended

 

[amstar15]

at this point i will try anything. i will let you know what happens in a week or two