Hair algae

[jdpeters]

i have had hair algae for about 2 months now. No nitrates or phosphate what so ever. Over sized skimmer and under stocked. I changed out my RODI media earlier this year. TDS meter on the unit reads a constant zero. It just occurred to me that when I replaced the media I never changed the ro membrane. Could this possibly explain my hair algae issue. Why don’t standard media kits include the ro membrane? Also what ro membrane do you guys use? I see the basic BRS replacement is 30 bucks. Do I have a alternative? Thanks reefers!

 

[Dr. Reef Verified Sponsor]

What is tds after membrane and before entering DI stage. Generally membranes can last upto 3-4 years. I search of part number on ebay and purchase the generic for $10-15. Trick is to keep an eye on tds after membrane.
Even with the cheap ones my incoming tap tds 180'ish is reduced to 0-4 after membrane and definitely 0 after 2 stages of DI.

 

[jdpeters]

TDS meter on my BRS 4 stage has always read 0. I’ve never tested it separately from that meter. I don’t trust it lol

 

[Dr. Reef Verified Sponsor]

as long as you DI is not burning out in short time and tds is 0 then membrane is fine. I would change membrane 2-3 yrs.

 

[jdpeters]

You judge the life of your di resin by its color, correct ?

 

[Dr. Reef Verified Sponsor]

If its color changing DI. Some are not. Best indication is TDS and Color.
It's best to have a dual TDS meter and place 1 probe after membrane and 2nd after DI.
1st probe will tell you condition of membrane and 2nd life of DI

 

[BigJim]

Can you post a good picture of the algae? It may be bryopsis, which can survive in low phosphate and nitrate. Fluconazole is a good treatment if you have bryopsis. How big is your clean up crew? Manual removal and a good clean up crew works wonders on hair algae.

 

[NS Mike D]

the first thing is to make sure it is GHA and not cyano or dinos. The latter two can out compete your corals in a low to no nutrient (NO3/PO4) tank. While high nutrients in usually associated with nuisance algae/bacteria, the paradox is that scrubbing nutrients (especially having trace amounts of PO4), IMO, create a better environment for nuisance stuff and stress the corals.