Has there ever been an experiment done where new "sterile" frag plugs were soaked in a product like MicroBacter7 or a similar product to determine if it decreases algae growth on the plugs, and were the results recorded to ascertain any benefits?
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Has there ever been an experiment done where new "sterile" frag plugs were soaked in a product like MicroBacter7 or a similar product to determine if it decreases algae growth on the plugs, and were the results recorded to ascertain any benefits?
I may have to try this. Looking around seems to be OOS at most retailers. Do you have a source for some fresh stock?I’ve not seen any, but it’s a fine idea and I’d use something like PNS substrate sauce.
I'm not sure, there have been discussions on R2R and other forums where tests were conducted, showing no significant difference in algae growth between seasoned plugs stored in the sump for a few weeks first and new plugs when then subject to reef lighting. Both experienced similar levels of nuisance algae development.Wouldn't tossing them in the sump do pretty much the same thing
…the idea of a pre seeding a frag plug with microbes seems credible, but my observations lean towards coralline algae being pretty good at displacing nuisance algae (and as a good base for encrusting) … just my opinion but that would seem to be a better frag plug prep (vs bacteria which would be present very shortly anyhooo)The idea is that the right strains of bacteria, if present in sufficient numbers, might outcompete algae for space on the plug's surface.
Indeed, coralline algae is beneficial, but it is too slow initially to prevent nuisance algae on new surfaces. However, once it covers a surface, it does help deter it.coralline algae
Very slow….Indeed, coralline algae is beneficial, but it is too slow initially to prevent nuisance algae on new surfaces. However, once it covers a surface, it does help deter it.
There has to be a better way...lol Lighting is the evil of the uglies.and lighting
Do you think a neptune gro light is gonna bring enough heat to accomplish the mission if I have a solid layer of tiles as a base floor of the refugium? Not a lot of current down there but….To get the results you desire you need a layer of periphyton to grow which needs current, bacteria, and lighting
I'm not sure, there have been discussions on R2R and other forums where tests were conducted, showing no significant difference in algae growth between seasoned plugs stored in the sump for a few weeks first and new plugs when then subject to reef lighting. Both experienced similar levels of nuisance algae development.
The idea is that the right strains of bacteria, if present in sufficient numbers, might outcompete algae for space on the plug's surface. This is akin to the difference between adding aged live rock versus dry rock to an established aquarium—the latter can lead to unsightly growths rather quickly.
this is what I doAlot of people just leave them in the sump and use as needed.
But we don't want just any old periphyton, we want to choose the ones we like.To get the results you desire you need a layer of periphyton to grow which needs current, bacteria, and lighting