Algae help please. Just a quick question

[RJ F.]

I like the idea of target feeding. I just bought some reef rods and have only used it once. I watched a video from brs that was talking about the benefit of target feeding when it co.es to growth and coloration. I'm very new to the hobby so I just try to learn as I go. To answer your question, no i have not tried just feeding the tank. I have always target fed.

So should I not run the phosban? Switch it back to carbon?

Almost forgot... I'm using RODI with 0 TDS on the meter

 

[RJ F.]

Also what kind of tests should I get? Salifert, red sea, hanna?

I really appreciate the input from everyone.

 

[NS Mike D]

The reason behind me running phosban was to try and figure out what is feeding the algae. I've have read alot that says phos can read 0 because algae is using it up. I know that I have been feeding pretty heavy so that's why my thinking went there

pause on that for now Probably Ok but you are guessing until you get better NO3 ad PO4 tests

I am not a fan of flake food. IMO, it's a bit too nutritious for reef tanks (lots of P) try holding off on that until you get things under control. As for target feeding corals, keep in mind that corals need more that just fish waste - NO3 and PO4 are used for photosynthesis but corals also grab other things from the water column like amino acids.

When I target feed I turn off all my powerheads and return pumps. After 10 minute the powerheads come back on to keep the food suspended and then 10 minutes later the sumps go back on and the filter socks should remove the excess. I change the filter socks every 2 - 3 days.

 

[RJ F.]

Ok. I'll change out the phosban. I do turn off everything when feeding and turn off my skimmer. Same thing as you 10 mins.

What kits would you suggest?

 

[NS Mike D]

Also what kind of tests should I get? Salifert, red sea, hanna?

I really appreciate the input from everyone.

I can only speak to Red Sea, but I understand all 3 are good.

I like the idea of target feeding. I just bought some reef rods and have only used it once. I watched a video from brs that was talking about the benefit of target feeding when it co.es to growth and coloration. I'm very new to the hobby so I just try to learn as I go. To answer your question, no i have not tried just feeding the tank. I have always target fed.

So should I not run the phosban? Switch it back to carbon?

Almost forgot... I'm using RODI with 0 TDS on the meter

I wouldn't change anything until you get reliable test results. Then take action as needed to address undesired parameters.

 

[RJ F.]

I agree. Everything was going so well. I panicked a little when the algae kept getting worse. I know better than to treat without knowing what you are treating

 

[NS Mike D]

good luck and post updates.

 

[NS Mike D]

I agree. Everything was going so well. I panicked a little when the algae kept getting worse. I know better than to treat without knowing what you are treating

been there done that

 

[RJ F.]

I will keep yall posted. Thank you!

 

[sixty_reefer]

I see this problem more or less every day on here and in other forums. 0 nitrates and 0 phosphate will always give space for dinoflagellates and Cyanobacteria. In your case I think dinoflagellates are just starting to stabilise.

I would recommend a different direction.

Feed more and let nutrients level raise to detectable levels.
The green algae is normal during the cycle and if the carbon, nutrients and phosphate ratio is stable it will never become an issue. Most algae problems in home aquaria happens due unbalanced nutrients.

 

[RJ F.]

So you think my tank is too clean? I have never found phos or nitrate in my tank except when I did my fishless cycle. Should I remove my chaeto?

 

[sixty_reefer]

So you think my tank is too clean? I have never found phos or nitrate in my tank except when I did my fishless cycle. Should I remove my chaeto?

I won’t advise you on that as I don’t know anything about your filtration system. My advice is for you to find a way to raise the nitrate and phosphate to detectable levels and den balance them. Most times just increase in feeding can work well. Is probably a good advice to do some more research on nutrients and how to balance them in a reef tank. Every time this two hit zero is only a matter of time until dinoflagellates settles in.

 

[NS Mike D]

here is a good BRS video for you about coral nutrient and why they do not recommend feeding corals for the first 2 years of a new tank and why keeping NO3 and PO4 down (but not zero) is needed to fight algae and the role bacteria plays in coral health and keeping algae at bay

 

[NS Mike D]

I won’t advise you on that as I don’t know anything about your filtration system. My advice is for you to find a way to raise the nitrate and phosphate to detectable levels and den balance them. Most times just increase in feeding can work well. Is probably a good advice to do some more research on nutrients and how to balance them in a reef tank. Every time this two hit zero is only a matter of time until dinoflagellates settles in.

with API tests kits its totally possible NO3 and PO4 are fine.

Cheato, IMO, is self regulating. High NO3 and PO4 it grows like a weed. Very low NO3 and PO4 it struggles and even dies off.

 

[IslandLifeReef]

So you think my tank is too clean? I have never found phos or nitrate in my tank except when I did my fishless cycle. Should I remove my chaeto?

Slow down!! If you have chaeto and it is thriving, you have NO3 and PO4. It is probably in balance as long as you don't carbon dose or use a phosphate remover.

I don't see any coraline algae, so I think your tank is pretty new.

Get a decent CUC, keep your parameters stable, and let your tank mature before adding more livestock. It takes a while for the things you want in the tank to take hold and be able to out compete the things you don't want.

Just continue to run chaeto, keep skimming if you are currently, and perform weekly water changes all while pulling as much algae out manually as you can and you will get through this ugly stage.