which plugs wont grow algae?

[pjr]

It is strange.... I only get bryopsys on ceramic plaugs. Not on my rock, not in the tank, not on my acrylic plugs or racks. Go figure. Maybe the curing option is a good idea!

[jimsflies]

I gotta agree- the lagea spores are in the tank....but whats in the pluge to make them algea magnets? And which arent algea magnets??

I am under the belief that somthing is leaching from the frag plugs/plates that is causing algea growth, much like eggcrate. Are there some better than others? Are these other frag plugs leaching pro- algea nutrients?? I hear about it, and experiance it too much to wonder???

So far- I havent heard anything about algea growing exclusivly on the ceramic plugs or the acrylic.

I think what gooch is saying makes perfect sense. A new plug with nothing growing on it is a perfect place for algae to start (regardless of the material it is made from). If it were already covered with a coral or coralline you wouldn't have algae on it. I think the same thing is true for egg crate in general. Most types of "bad" algae are very prolific and can quickly over take an area that is is not already occupied with something else.

Algae doesn't require anything magical to grow....add water, light, nitrogen, phosphate and carbon and you have everything you need to create and algae farm. I agree it's a hassle to deal with, but the fact that algea is growing is an indicator that you have excessive nutrients. The key to winning the war is to go after the phosphate and nitrogen.

I have used the TechM and it does work to rid the tank of byropsis (for awhile) with minor side effects to other corals, etc. However, it is a band aid to the problem. Long term solutions need to focus on eliminating free phosphate and nitrogen in the system.

On a related note, no one seemed to have byropsis when I first got into the hobby eight years ago. I sure would like to know who we can thank for introducing us all to that evil spore?