The filter will remove organics from the water column before they have a chance to break down into NO3 and PO4. So if you’re low, let them break down. Don’t export.
Does flow reduction cause brown algae to grow ?
- Thread starter greeno1645
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The filter will remove organics from the water column before they have a chance to break down into NO3 and PO4. So if you’re low, let them break down. Don’t export.
Well that depends on the situation. I think number one would be don’t export. If the tank is starving you’d want to reevaluate your filtration methods for Bio, Mechanical, and Chemical. Also, adding fish can help a lot. Those would be the first couple things I’d look at. Next thing would be the sandbed or rock. Both of those can bind PO4.
I miss read that. I thought you said 6-1/2 months. I’m this case I wouldn’t worry too much yet. You’ll likely dealing with a typical diatom bloom that is common in the first 3 months or so. So don’t bust out the Carbon or GFO, and please don’t setup a Bio-Pellet Reactor. Haha.
You do need to get some accurate test results on the board, because Dino’s have been really common in the last couple years. API is not a trustworthy test kit IMO. I’d personally buy a Hanna Phosphorus ULR for PO4 and Hanna High Range Nitrate Checker. Good luck.
But the tank is only 6.5 weeks. Nothing is established!
Yeah, that is not low. If the rocks got that green in 6.5 weeks the numbers were crazy high. It’s unlikely that your depleted.
greeno1645
Community Member
The rocks hit that green, and a bit more, at 4 1/2 weeks. I had 3 sailfin mollies that I used to cycle the tank- they really did a great job grazing along with snails and crabs, but I pulled the mollies a week and a half ago.
Honestly, the rocks closest to the lights are now loosing their green algae… I see a lot of bare white patches, and what is green, is really tight to the rock.
WallyTime7
Active Member
What do you mean by 'those can bind'?
srobertb
Well-Known Member
Yes. I have Gyre’s (I hate them but that’s another post). I always know they need cleaning because the sand or rocks in front of them start to look fuzzy, brown, or “not right.”
greeno1645
Community Member
Oh!?! That's what they're called? Good to know, thanks!
I'm very old school, so I haven't caught up with all the terminology used in modern reef keeping. However, it's good to know that the old school concept of maintaining circular flow in the tank is a must for healthy coral.
Anything Calcium Carbonate like Dry Rock or Sand can bind PO4 until they saturate. In severe cases they can actually outcompete the corals for the PO4.
greeno1645
Community Member
What do mean ‘saturate’? What’s the process and how do you know if you have achieved saturation?
They can only bind for so long. Eventually they will slow down and stop completely. The PO4 level begins to rise with minimal or no dosing.
