algae newbie

Supertanker · Apr 29, 2019

I have a new 125ga tank progressing nicely. Very low bioload (some zoas, two torches, a mushroom, a Duncan, some shrimp). Going through a fairly aggressive string algae phase. I read it's an "ugly" phase that passes, but..
a) where does it go?
b) It's growing in the DT but also in my refugium...which I need to have lit at night for my Chaeto but getting string now too
c) do I even need to do anything?
I was thinking a nudibranch in the DT and one in the fuge, and adding some crabs (emeralds) to develop more clean-up crew. I pulled a large amount out of the refugium by hand, but it's literally encasing my Chaeto...thoughts?

Jekyl · Apr 29, 2019

Using RODI water? How big of a CuC do you have? Algae is normal. Have any pics? If it's getting crazy there is a source. Figure that out before acting retroactively. Either water issues or over feeding, things of that sort.

Supertanker · Apr 29, 2019

Well here's how stupid I am...I don't have a CuC, unless three shrimp count. But yes, I use only RODI. Ammonia always reads zero whenever I test, which was every other day up until last week. I've had the softies and LPS in for about three weeks. Tank is about 2.5 months old. Only issues I've had otherwise is keeping Ca and alk where I want them since putting the creatures in. Was using kalkwasser but that was too cumbersome to mix up daily to drip in and I wasn't keeping up anyway. I switched to two part (Red Sea Ca and Alk) and am more stable, but even that I'm going to dose with my apex DOS (or mix BRS Ca Chloride + Soda Ash). But the CuC is a big oversight on my part... strings blowing in DT are up to a foot long!

Supertanker · Apr 29, 2019

Long story short there does seem to be a source...and it's me! What I'm getting at is can this be a serious issue and how to control, since I can't just start tossing crabs in without QT (well, not without accepting some risk)...

Jekyl · Apr 29, 2019

In need of a CuC badly. What's your nitrate at? I'd add as diverse snails of snails you can get and some hermits. So far trochus and astrea have been my best for algae. also just added a long spine urchin that is like a vacuum.