FO = No Algae...why?

[ShaneW]

Why is it that every single Fish Only system that I have ever seen has got no algae problems?

What is it about a reef tank that they usually at some point battle with algae?

Its rather disheartening when you see a system that has minimul amount of maintenance done but contains absolutley no algae, and your system which receives alot more attention, just can't rid the algae issues.

 

[jacquesb]

Hi Shane -

I will try and answer this one to the best of my abilities:
- it's not a case of FO systems NOT having nuisance algae problems
- with FO - you have far less lighting, which acts as a catalyst assisting nuisance algae to grow
- with FO systems, you usually have far less live rock, which can trap detritus (inside the actual live rock, as well as around it) which feeds the nuisance algae
- FO systems a lot of times contains fish that could most likely eat the algae, as it springs up - making you think that there's no macro algae
- soemtimes, you might see FO systems thinking that "geez this tank is clean - no algae" - where the tank is most likely only a few weeks old

Well - that was my try.... perhaps some others might have some better guesses at this question....

 

[ShaneW]

Points noted...thanks

I've seen some systems that are loaded with plenty of fish, way too many in my opinion. Without a skimmer or any phosphate reducers...but still, no algae!

Could it be because of the use of copper?

 

[AndreT]

FO systems are like to include a lot of Tangs which love algae methinks.

 

[joe]

IMO algae is a natural part of any marine aquarium , not having algae is unatural and so is FO or FOWLR systems.
Aslo i really dont see FO systems that last long anyway.( this is just my personal observation )

 

[Mekaeel]

my thoughts are,it all boils down to filteration,in a FOWLR system the nutrient levels arent as high as what a reef system would be.if proper mechanical and natural filteration is used to export the nutrients in a reef system,there will be less/no chances of algea issues.IMO