For example, outbreaks of filamentous green algae, brown/black/red smear algae, glass anemones and bubble algae (sailor's eyeball algae) are four of the major culprits. These problems can develop into major headaches if proper action during setting-up and the following care and maintenance are not taken.
The really annoying part is that glass anemones and bubble algae can be decorative at first. In fact, an unwary and inexperienced aquarist might be pleased with his new additions.
These problems usually arrive with new corals, or, rather, on the rocks the new corals are attached to. Live rock can also introduce them.
A major cause of algae problems is low water quality, that is, water that has too high levels of nitrate and phosphate. It has been reported that filamentous green algae, smear algae, and glass anemones do well in the presence of nitrate and phosphate.
To make bubble algae (sailor's eyeball algae) even more annoying, it is said that to do well it needs high quality water. So if they appear in your tank, definitely take control action, but at least be pleased that your water is good.
I have dealt with bubble algae successfully. I have also waged war with glass anemones, but have found that, once the war is generally won, occasionally control action is needed when another pops its unwelcome head up.
The answer to these problems is the proper setting up of a tank from the start, and ongoing care and maintenance.
These reef aquarium pests may never invade your tank at all, but it is probable that one or the other will appear. Be aware, and be prepared with the necessary knowledge to take remedial action.
A lot of people nowadays are using sumps as a place to install either primary or additional filtration methods.
Examples of these are mud beds, deep sand beds and refugiums.
The trouble with installing a type of filtration in the sump is that accommodating this where equipment is also to be installed means that the sump needs to be modified in one way or another.
Aquarists are looking at creating DIY reef aquarium sumps so that this can be performed, and with patience is easily accomplished.
To make DIY reef aquarium sumps you will first need to plan and even draw what you hope to accomplish. Once this is done you need to obtain a basic aquarium of the relevant size as well as some glass or acrylic.
To make the required partitions you will need to cut the glass or acrylic. If you do not feel comfortable with cutting glass then a glass merchant will do this for you. Remember to take accurate measurements with you. When taking the measurements ensure that you leave a small gap between the partitions and the inner side of the sump.
Once the glass or acrylic is cut make sure that the edges are a clean cut. If they are not then it will be harder to attach them.
Now is where your patience will be tested.
For the next step you will require some aquarium sealant. Using a sealant gun place a bead around where the partition will be and gently push the glass or acrylic into place. The sealant should push put from around the sides - don't worry about this at the moment. Check all the edges to ensure that there is enough sealant in place - we don't want any leaks.
When you are happy that there is enough sealant in place leave the sealant to cure. Once cured you can use a sharp blade to tidy up the edges. Very carefully cut the spill over away, taking care not to cut into the core bead. Of course you do not need to do this if you don't want to - some aquarists leave it as it is. Personally I like to make it as tidy as possible.
Once all the partitions etc have been created, and the sealant is cured and tidied up, fill the aquarium with water and check that it does not leak. I would recommend filling one partition at a time and checking for leaks - of course it does depend upon your design.
If you plan your design and take your time then you should hopefully be ok. If you do not feel comfortable at first why not practice on some old glass first.
DIY reef aquarium sumps are not that hard to make but the complexity of the design depends upon what you hope to achieve.
Pbcunningham has sinced written about articles on various topics from Reef Tanks, Pets and Reef Tanks. Peter Cunningham and John Cunningham combined have been keeping salt water aquarium's for nearly 35 years. Visit their site 'The Salt Water Aquarium' if you are interested in. Pbcunningham's top article generates over 1900 views. to your Favourites.