GHA question

[Derek B]

Can leaving on just the atinics on an led fixture cause GHA?

 

[Muney Mun]

What is gha

 

[JMMJ13902]

GHA = green hair algae

 

[bknapp]

Generally GHA is a problem stemming from phosphates and nitrates lights help to feed algae but still not be the most prominent cause of it. Test for phosphates and nitrates.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Can leaving on just the atinics on an led fixture cause GHA?

No. Usually a phosphate issue.

 

[Derek B]

Well I got the tank 3 months ago he didn't have any test kits
so when it was finally setup and tested the nitrates were at
160ppm I've done 40% WC and been dosing NOPOX for 2 weeks
now nitrates are 2.5 ppm phosphates unreadable on elos test
kits. GHA is improving now probably 40% gone I boosted my
CUC added turbo snails and a foxface I'm sure that helped it

 

[Derek B]

I was running GFO in my reactor but since dosing NOPOX
my LFS said stop GFO. Can I continue GFO now or stick
With the NOPOX dosing not sure what to do

 

[Jay6363]

Following

 

[bknapp]

The problem now is that your kits are going to read low because the HA is using up the nitrates and phosphates so they won't be showing in the results. 160 ppm is extremely high nitrates.

The best course of action (IMO) is to keep starving or the HA by the continued use of the NOPOX and water changes to keep the phosphates and nitrates down. And maybe considering a black out period while using those to really starve the HA.

 

[Derek B]

Ok ill keep dosing at this rate the GHA should be gone in
a month or so it is improving so I'm happy with that. Thanks

 

[bknapp]

I missed your question about GFO. You can continue the use of GFO of you'd like, it won't hurt anything. Some peopleconstantly run GFO. But for long term filtration you may want to look into a set up to continue bringing down the phosphates and nitrates. I run a good skimmer, eckBAK bio pellets and, a small algae scrubber and my nitrates and phosphates at ULNS levels.

 

[Derek B]

I'm running a skimmer, carbon, and refugium
skimmer is rated for 100g I have a 90g
with 30g sump I could upgrade the skimmer
but it's pretty tight in sump as is.

 

[bknapp]

What kind of skimmer? You could make it skim a little wet to help more out. Personally (and I may get attacked for this) I don't believe that most refugiums are large enough or set up correctly enough to remove as much nutrients as people believe they do. They do help but not too the extent I think some think they do. In my opinion consistent water changes is the best way to remove nitrates.

 

[Derek B]

It's an eshopps skimmer nothin too fancy
lookin at aquamaxx cone S small footprint 5" chamber

 

[Derek B]

I like the refugium for my copepod to thrive I have a maderian
and if it helps alittle with nitrates then bonus

 

[Reefing Madness]

You need to keep the GFO online with the Pellet Reactor. No worries there. Or you can Carbon Dose instead or go with the Sump and Macro Algae. Theres a couple ways of getting the job done.

 

[Reefing Madness]

What kind of skimmer? You could make it skim a little wet to help more out. Personally (and I may get attacked for this) I don't believe that most refugiums are large enough or set up correctly enough to remove as much nutrients as people believe they do. They do help but not too the extent I think some think they do. In my opinion consistent water changes is the best way to remove nitrates.

No attacking here, I totally agree with ya.

 

[bknapp]

You need to keep the GFO online with the Pellet Reactor. No worries there. Or you can Carbon Dose instead or go with the Sump and Macro Algae. Theres a couple ways of getting the job done.

Agreed, keep the GFO online to choke out the phosphates si the HA has less nutrients to consume for growth.