Wet/dry maintenance

[jiminbing]

My tank has been up and running for 2 months now.(fish, LR,critters,anemones and soft coral) Last night I noticed some algae like(light green)stuff on the bottom of the wet/dry filter. Below the bio-balls chamber. Do I need to remove that stuff? Will this be something I need to maintain on a regular basis? How often do I need to clean or replace the filter in the drip tray above the bio-balls. Thanks for the help.

 

[mr_x]

i've never used a wet-dry so i can't really help, except to ask that-
how is algae growing in the wet-dry? do you have light over it?
the fuel for algae growth is light and excess nutrients. if you are feeding heavily, and perhaps using treated tap water as your water source, no matter how much you clean the surfaces, the algae will come back.
as for the filter pad in the drip tray, i would say to take a look at it once a week, and when it get's pretty nasty looking change it out. pretty soon you'll get an idea when to change it.

 

[jiminbing]

Thanks for the response Mr. X. The stuff on the bottom looks like algae, but I don't think it is algae. Maybe its whatever gets by the filter pad and through the balls. I don't know... It looks like I could vacuum it or wipe it out. Not sure if I should remove it. I also use RO water.

 

[nordy]

The stuff could be dirt/etc. that settles out after dripping down over the bioballs. I have run a wet dry for years and while I regularly clean the bioballs, have only had to wipe out the bottom of the sump a few times.
Cleaningthe prefilter weekly is good-I clean the one in my overflow box once or twice a week, making sure to turn off the return pump before cleaning it so any debris in the water stays out of the sump.
John

 

[jiminbing]

I think your right John. It looks like dirt. Do you empty the water out of the sump. Vacuum it out? Also does anyone know if the prefilter pad made of polyester?