Help with algae

[JerryThomas]

Hello it’s almost one year that I’m fighting against this…but they are winning the match…tds from my Rodi is 0 no3 is 5 po4 is 0.05, corals is big I have 3 pumps but in some area circulation is not fantastic…but that’s not the problem…how can I do?

 

[Quietman]

Obviously you're experienced and successful as that's a gorgeous tank. We can probably skip over the usual - clean up crew (never worked for me well - except Astrea snails those were pretty good as long as not too much algae), nutrients are good plus if I were you mucking with them would likely have unintended consequences with your corals, same for additives/algaecides - too much risk for me to recommend.

So something gentle and natural and non-destructive to the system you're worked hard at right? I could suggest ATO and often do (really turned my algae issues around). It'll help with the non-established algae for sure and will reduce some of the longer term algae. But it's likely not to be 100% and you'll always have some in tank. Plus it may reduce nutrients if not careful (adjust light times carefully). That and continued manual removal for several weeks while the ATO establishes might give you the edge.

Other that that...just an observation not to focus on the negatives (we all see the problems more than the success). I've never had my grand kids look at my tank and say "Grandpa - that's a gorgeous blasto but yikes, that clump of GHA really wrecks the tank."

Good luck!

 

[JerryThomas]

Sorry you mean Algae turf scrub? What do you think of fluconazole?

 

[Quietman]

Yes...Algae Turf Scrubber. I have a Santa Monica Filtration Rain 2 (use, results and such in my build thread).

I'm not against algaecides per se. Many reefers use them successfully (as have I) but the side effects (known and unknown) to an established tank (particularly with more sensitive live stock) put them in my "break glass in case of emergency" cabinet. I'd have to be willing to put my tank at risk. I have been there and used them and paid a price but since it was last resort - I was ok with it. I've also used them successfully with no ill effects.

Everyone has a different tolerance level for risk. You've been fighting it for a year and are likely very frustrated. So might be worth the risk. It might be (and will likely be) just fine and solve your problem or at least make it more manageable to continue manual removal. But I'd never recommend their use casually.

 

[dwest]

Does your sailfin tang pick at it? I was wondering if another zebrasoma or bristletooth tang or fox face might help.

Your tank is very nice! I personally would not try a chemical cure, but I usually am in the minority.

 

[Bucs20fan]

Sorry you mean Algae turf scrub? What do you think of fluconazole?

Fluconazole will work, it is not an algaecide, rather an antifungal actually. I have used it and it does work as long as you follow the directions exactly. It did not harm any of my corals or inverts. But what it will do, is swing the door wide open for dinos. It kills the algae rather quickly and something will rise up and take its place. Just my opinion on the matter. If I were you and I was set on adding a substance to get rid of the algae, fluconazole is the safer route for corals, albeit has its own set of problems.