I've noticed similar things—tight lids seem to help, but they're not foolproof. In my experience, algae pops up whenever there's even a tiny crack letting in sunlight...probably a mix of lid fit, tank placement, and water conditions at play here.
I've found the same thing with algae—it's stubborn stuff. But honestly, I think focusing too much on lids might be missing the bigger picture. Placement seems key. When I first set mine up, I had it near a sunny corner (rookie mistake), and algae went nuts even with a tight lid. Moved it to a shadier spot and saw a huge improvement. So maybe consider tank placement first, then fine-tune your lid situation...could save you some headaches down the line.
"Placement seems key. When I first set mine up, I had it near a sunny corner (rookie mistake), and algae went nuts even with a tight lid."
Fair point, but placement alone won't solve everything. Had mine in shade from day one—still got algae. Good filtration and occasional cleaning seem just as important as location, imo.
"Fair point, but placement alone won't solve everything. Had mine in shade from day one—still got algae."
Yeah, agreed. Shade helps, but algae spores are pretty stubborn—they'll find a way eventually. From what I've seen, regular maintenance is key. A decent mesh filter at the inlet and periodic tank flushing can make a big difference. Also, adding a first-flush diverter can cut down on debris buildup significantly. Placement matters, sure...but it's just one piece of the puzzle.
Totally agree about the first-flush diverter—makes a noticeable difference. I'd also suggest checking your tank material; translucent tanks let in more light, which algae love. Switching to an opaque tank or painting it dark can really help keep growth down.