Do coral foods also feed unwanted algae?

[Toygar Niron]

Hello,
There are unwanted algae and hungry corals in the aquarium. Does coral food feed unwanted algae?
Thank you

 

[bday1335]

Yes, anything in the water column can be consumed by anything in the tank, including algae

 

[Toygar Niron]

This is not good. Do you have any advice?
Thank you

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

The best advice I know of is to have a strong export strategy. Have a good plan for getting nutrients and organics out of the tank.

 

[Toygar Niron]

Hello,
Do you mean, a good Protein Skimmer, good Live Rocks, regular water changes, less feed?
thank you

 

[living_tribunal]

No food feeds algae, the chemical build up from both the fish poop and detritus does in the form of nitrate and phosphate. The degree to which it "feeds" micro algae is contingent upon your degree of export.

 

[Toygar Niron]

No food feeds algae, the chemical build up from both the fish poop and detritus does in the form of nitrate and phosphate. The degree to which it "feeds" micro algae is contingent upon your degree of export.

Hello, I think like you, but I want to be sure. Coral food is captured by zooxanthellae and turned into energy. But algae do not have zooxanthellae for solid nutrients.
Thank you

 

[Tamberav]

Corals poop too and powdered foods beak down into NO3 and PO4.

Need good export and a good clean up crew. Manual remove and spot treat if it’s gotten out of hand.

 

[living_tribunal]

Hello, I think like you, but I want to be sure. Coral food is captured by zooxanthellae and turned into energy. But algae do not have zooxanthellae for solid nutrients.
Thank you

So the corals will technically utilize both the specific nutrients (Po4 and N) from the waste as well as the aminos/carbs directly from the food. Algae will only utilize the nutrients from the waste. So it's a balancing act. For those who prefer to feed more, we rely on heavier export. So if you start feeding your coral once a week, then maybe add an hour or two to your fuges photoperiod, or slightly more phosguard/vinegar dosing. Whatever your preferred export methods are, increase them slightly until you find the balance you seek from the increased feeding.

 

[Toygar Niron]

Hello,
As a result; '' Coral foods do not directly feed unwanted algae. However, when too much coral food is not consumed, it turns into a food form for unwanted algae. '' Is it true?
Thank you

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Hello,
As a result; '' Coral foods do not directly feed unwanted algae. However, when too much coral food is not consumed, it turns into a food form for unwanted algae. '' Is it true?
Thank you

Yes.

 

[Toygar Niron]

Hello,
Thank you everyone for the great and quick answers.

 

[ReefdudeAdam]

Hello,
As a result; '' Coral foods do not directly feed unwanted algae. However, when too much coral food is not consumed, it turns into a food form for unwanted algae. '' Is it true?
Thank you

Yes and no.. yes you are correct BUT heavy in with nutrition in your tank can be great and create big fat healthy fish and corals.. in turn this needs heavy nutrient export to help prevent unwanted algae.
the more mature the tank the easier to balance. What are you running in terms of export? Refugium? Skimmer? Socks?
Are you turning off your flow when feeding to help prevent all you’re dumping in going straight into your sump/socks?
Please don’t think feeding less is the best option.. No one wants to see you starving livestock to keep some algae at bay.

look for ways to bring your parameters back in line

 

[Toygar Niron]

Hello ReefdudeAdam,
My question was only about whether coral food could feed unwanted algae directly in a well established aquarium with good filtration. There are corals added to the aquarium before the cycle process is completed Algae are part of natural selection, not yet a problem.
Thank you

 

[living_tribunal]

Hello ReefdudeAdam,
My question was only about whether coral food could feed unwanted algae directly in a well established aquarium with good filtration. There are corals added to the aquarium before the cycle process is completed Algae are part of natural selection, not yet a problem.
Thank you

The direct answer to your question is coral food will indirectly feed micro algae in the form of Po4/N once the food breaks down.