build up on overflow and return tubes

[misty7850]

Ok everyone.. first of all is this algae ? I have been having this build up in my overflow box and tubings.. this past month.. I've already disasembled and clean em all up once.. that was a pain in the butt. Especially with the tank being in the corner and hard to get at the tubings.. Is there anything else I can do to help eliminate this ?
Also.. I recently purchased the new overflow box.. and it didn't come with instructions on where in the heck to put the pre-filter.. I placed it in the box behind the tank. overtop of the drain hole.. however when it get full of debris, it slows the flow of the water.. and again because the tank is in the corner, it is very hard to get at to take out and clean. Do I have it in the right place ?
Thanks for any input..

 

[snailheave]

my tank is tidier than yours

i have coraline buildup in my tubings

 

[misty7850]

well snailheave that didn't help me not.. brat

 

[usinkit]

I got the same build up when I first started my tank, but after my tank parameters evened out it reduce the amout of algae build up by 70%. I took my prefilter out. I didnt want it being a nitrate trap. I dont see the use for the filter.

 

[misty7850]

Originally Posted by usinkit
I got the same build up when I first started my tank, but after my tank parameters evened out it reduce the amout of algae build up by 70%. I took my prefilter out. I didnt want it being a nitrate trap. I dont see the use for the filter.

Thanks.. I guess since I upgraded recently from 30 to 46 gallon is probably the reason for the build up...
watr log from yesterday
temp 80
dkh 7
ph 8.4
ammonia 0
nitrite 0
nitrate 20
p04 0
calcium 500
sg 1.025

 

[funkyman]

Algae needs light to grow. So does coraline. Anything clear, be it a hose or an overflow box will let this happen. Some people wrap their hoses and overflows in tape (or anything else that will block the light) to prevent this.