Dealing with Grow Out Tank Micro Algae

[Ironworm]

I currently have a 90 gallon grow out tank which I am trying to grow Chaeto and other macro algae in. However I have the constant problem of micro algae, feels like once a week I have to do a deep cleaning to remove the large clumps of algae.

I dose Chaeto-Grow twice a week and try to keep nitrates at 5-10ppm and phosphates at around .50ppm. I have no issues getting the Chaeto to grow, just wondering if I will forever be cleaning this tank of micro algae.

 

[lapin]

Talk to @Subsea.

 

[Subsea]

Let’s define terms. Macro algae is a seaweed. Micro algae is phytoplankton.

If you have a refugium full of seaweed & phytoplankton, add some copepods so that your macro tank could be a refugium starter kit.

 

[Ironworm]

Sorry for the incorrect terms, the tank currently has Chaeto growing in it. However some thick algae grows on the bottom and sides of the tank. Just wondering if there is something that can deal with that and not kill the chaeto?

Wondering if a DIY algae scrubber would work to have the algae grow on that versus the entire tank.

 

[Subsea]

Sorry for the incorrect terms, the tank currently has Chaeto growing in it. However some thick algae grows on the bottom and sides of the tank. Just wondering if there is something that can deal with that and not kill the chaeto?

Wondering if a DIY algae scrubber would work to have the algae grow on that versus the entire tank.

I don’t know what “thick algae” means. To assist with id, please take a picture without blue light.

 

[Ironworm]

I don’t know what “thick algae” means. Please take a picture without blue light toasist with us.

Will do when I get home.

 

[Subsea]

@Ironworm

Let’s talk. I have read your threads. I understood that your intentions were to grow Chaeto to give to new members in reef club. Has that goal changed?

 

[Ironworm]

@Ironworm

Let’s talk. I have read your threads. I understood that your intentions were to grow Chaeto to give to new members in reef club. Has that goal changed?

Goal as not changed, only thing different I want to use the grow out tank to try to cultivate other macro algaes at some point.

 

[Subsea]

What other macros? Ornamental or utilitarian?

 

[Ironworm]

What other macros? Ornamental or utilitarian?

More than likely utilitarian

 

[Ironworm]

Here are some pictures of the algae

 

[Ironworm]

Some more

 

[Subsea]

Looks like some grape Caulerpa mixed in.

Look at link from reef cleaners: check out green hair algae & green turf algae.

https://www.reefcleaners.org/nuisance-algae-id-guide


https://www.marineplantbook.com/marineplantbookgreenalgae.htm

 

[Ironworm]

Looks like some grape Caulerpa mixed in.

Look at link from reef cleaners: check out green hair algae & green turf algae.

https://www.reefcleaners.org/nuisance-algae-id-guide


https://www.marineplantbook.com/marineplantbookgreenalgae.htm

I agree on the green hair algae for some of it but none of the green turf look like what I have. This is the stuff thats growing like crazy, it coats the entire bottom of the tank and walls. If I could get rid of this I can manage the hair algae. It comes up in clumps (like a carpet) and is very slimy (if that helps any).

 

[Subsea]

I am thinking cynobacteria. If so, then chemi clean is a good option.

 

[Ironworm]

I am thinking cynobacteria. If so, then chemi clean is a good option.

Deff looks like that could be the case, what causes cyno? I will try some chemi clean and see if that works. Will chemi clean mess with my Chaeto any?

 

[Ironworm]

I am thinking cynobacteria. If so, then chemi clean is a good option.

Is this the stuff?

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/chemi-clean-red-cyano-remover-boyd-enterprises.html

 

[Subsea]

Is this the stuff?

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/chemi-clean-red-cyano-remover-boyd-enterprises.html

It works. Understand this about cyno, it’s normal to have Cynobacteria. Most people never see it. Without Cynobacteria Earths early athmosphere of methane & sulphur would still be the same and oxygen breathing mammals would not exist. The point is “you can’t eradicate it”.