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Is this GHA ? (pic)
- Thread starter wienerdog
- Start date
That is green hair algea for sure, or turf algea. Either way its the same. If you don't have one already you can try to throw an emerald crab in there to eat it but I'd advise pulling it all off and OUT of the tank. Make sure to keep up on it.
Also, algea feeds off of phosphates, so if it isn't extremely high you wont really get a reading, if there is algea, there are nitrates or phosphates, on eof the two. But since algea eats phosphate, you can get a falsely low reading, for it isn't free floating in the water but consumed by the algea that is growing in your tank.
Also, algea feeds off of phosphates, so if it isn't extremely high you wont really get a reading, if there is algea, there are nitrates or phosphates, on eof the two. But since algea eats phosphate, you can get a falsely low reading, for it isn't free floating in the water but consumed by the algea that is growing in your tank.
Edit: also water changes with ro /di water with as close to 0 tds as possible and a good salt mix will help to keep it away. Make sure your not overfeeding or overstocked etc. And that all filters are working.
To aid in combatting it you can also raise your magnesium levels to roughly 1600 with Kent's tech m.
To aid in combatting it you can also raise your magnesium levels to roughly 1600 with Kent's tech m.
i don't think that is necessary unless this is bryopsis and it's not. But everything else you said i agree with!
True hawk, I don't know if this is all he has though lol. But I did use that method when my tank was over run by hair algea (mixed with bryprosis - yaay me right? Lol) and it did help with both or it was dumb luck.
If that's all you have just act fast and stay on top of your parameters and you'll be fine.
If that's all you have just act fast and stay on top of your parameters and you'll be fine.
I will be very cautious. Would like to read abit more. What do you guys think about an ATS...scrubber?
Yes caution should be used . I did not have any sps issues when dosing peroxide but each tank is different . Here is a really good read about peroxide for hair algae,also been reading about it killing other nuisance algae.
http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=268706&hl=peroxide
http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=268706&hl=peroxide
Do you have a fuge? Run bio-pellets? Carbon dose? Turf scrubbers will work, but take up space.
I was running phosban for awhile and yeas I do have a fuge with chaeto and LR. No bio-pellets or carbon. Though in following another thread I realized I feed my tank frozen foods daily. Could be the root to my HA issues. Gonna consider peroxide dosing and possibly a scrubber. It is another responsability in reefkeeping. Not sure I am up for that. I am gonna change my feeding methods. I still have to deal with the existing HA issue.
The first thing I would do is to get your GFO reactor back on line, you may not be reading any PO4, but that's because it's being utilized by the HA. Frozen food and flake food will introduce PO4 into your system, so if you were to rinse the frozen food before you use it that would help to minimize that, start using Spectrum pelleted dry food, instead of flakes(I don't think OA carries it). Make sure your skimmer is of sufficient size and is in good working order. I would also run a GAC reactor. The best way to ultimately beat the HA, is to starve it out. The Chaeto in your fuge should be taking up some of the nutrients, but if it's getting more than it can use, then there's enough for the HA to grow. Start doing a little vinegar dosing each day. Have you checked your make up and top off water? It's possible you could be adding some nutrients there too. I think I'd go with bio-pellets before I'd do the ATS thing. I think that using peroxide would be the last thing I'd do.
PS, if you're using a chemical test kit to check the PO4, they're pretty much useless. You really need a Hanna checker.
PS, if you're using a chemical test kit to check the PO4, they're pretty much useless. You really need a Hanna checker.
Gonna pick up some GFo tomorrow. Not sure about the GAC reactor. I am also going to AquarCent monday to pick up the food you had suggested. My chaeto has started to get a lil smaller also...just noticed that. Should I add some more chaeto? In regards to vinegar...how much to dose and do I add the gallonage from the sump to that equation? Also look into a hannah checker.
Use this and go with Vodka, same idea, just a different carbon source. And yes you do need to include all your systems water volume.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-08/nftt/index.php
As far as your Chaeto, make sure it's getting enough light, and that your fuge lights are clean. I guess it's possible that the HA is out competing for the nutrients, so you've got to reverse that. I don't know if AC has the food either, I usually buy it from BRS. I have an extra if you want it.
Jim looke at my fuge light...no good. It was replaces with one of the energy saving spiral bulbs. Gonna change that out. Ill find the food somewhere...BRS. I may also grab the gfo from them also.
Downbeach has given you some great info . I would not do all those things at once but start with one and add on as needed. That way if there is an issue you knowfrom where. And I also dose vinegar,you dose at 8 x the recomendation for vodka . I still say Peroxide will give you a fast result but notcure the cause. The other methods will take care of thecause of the hair algae. Rinsing the frozen food before you add to the tank will also help get rid of unwanted nutrients. good luck.
OK, I replaced my bulb over my fuge from a 40w to a 200w 65k bulb. My wife replaced my fuge bulb with a 40w about a month ago. So, I put the 200w in and hopefully my chaeto will start consumong phosphates and leave nothing for the HA. I am also gonna start GFO tomorrow and rinse my frozen foods. I am not in a desperate situation so I dont really need to resort to peroxide or something of that nature. I think taking the advice from you guys and being patient will be just fine. Should I run GFO or another product. I was also using Phosban awhile ago also. Stopped that as well....mistake. By the way, anyone got a Hannah checker ?
I have a checker. If you're going to make a run up to AC, and want to go a little farther, I have some extra BRS High Capacity GFO, and the dry food as well. I don't know the condition of your Chaeto, but if it's dead/dying/decaying at this point it might be better to replace it. If you're coming bring some water and we can check that too.