Macro algae not growing in fuge

[bigbrother14]

I have a 150g reef an been having trouble growing macro algae it seems to turn pale white a die i also replace the skimmer 3 weeks ago upgrade from a reef octopus classic to a skims monzter sm203 is it that the skimmer is working too good that is leaving my algae to starve any advice is very welcomed thanx

 

[m0nk3y69d]

I wouldn't think your new skimmer would kill it but not enough flow or enough light would

 

[bigbrother14]

Well flow is good an I do reverse cycle lighting I just can't figure out why it's not growing my display looks good without it growing

 

[m0nk3y69d]

What kind of light are you using

 

[bigbrother14]

On the fuge it's a regular 12 watt bulb

 

[dbl]

You may want to try a bulb similar to this:

 

[m0nk3y69d]

I would agree I use a 65w 6500k cfl with great success I think the problem would lie in the light source and would be a great place to start

 

[bigbrother14]

Ok great I will run to Walmart now I still have very little macro I hope I can save it that guys for the help the reason I went with the 12 watt it because that was all i had at home I figured out that should do it thanx again will let u guys know what happens

 

[m0nk3y69d]

yes pleas do and I hope it helps

 

[bigbrother14]

Hey guys yea macro didn't make it it was whipped out this week everything else is doin will so idk what goin on il wait a few weeks to get some more will what happens

 

[twilliard]

Lack of food for the algae to sustain
Well nutrients

 

[dbl]

If you obtained a new bulb, give it another shot and see what type of results you have. The existing macro may have been too far gone, or as twilliard suggested, it may simply be a lack of nutrients.

 

[twilliard]

I grow my macro under a normal orbit marine at 100%
What needs to be known is your no3 and po4 levels

 

[bigbrother14]

Yes I think so too so u guys are suggesting feed more my tank is too clean ?

 

[bigbrother14]

My no3 and po4 are low phosphates are 0.02 an nitrates are almost none detectable maybes around 10ppm or less

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

0.02 ppm phosphate and 10 ppm nitrate isn't low enough to kill macroalgae, but the phosphate may be limiting its growth, and the values may actually be lower (or higher) than you measured.

 

[Wiz]

I have a 30g macro fuge. My macros will pale and turn clear. Red ones turn yellow. I found it was a lack of iron. I add a capful every time it happens and within 2 days color returns to nice dark red and green. Not saying that's your problem or suggesting you do it. Just my experience. They start to discolor once a month roughly.

 

[bigbrother14]

Il get more macro an try again if it happens again il have to give up on traying to grow it

 

[bigbrother14]

Or would u guys suggest feed more

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Orchid growers use cool white and warm white flo tubes. That give you a CT of around 48k +- the brand, and fills in the spectrum. A the phillips led par 38 is around 48k and has a similar spectrum to that combination.
My first sump had a similar problem. it was always clean. So I changed the flow in the DT. sounds weird but. It stirred the detritus and kept it in suspension longer so it made it to the overflow before settling. I keep a maxijet 1200 on a timer in one corner for storm mode.
Now my fuge is gross, and Im happy.

(changed BTW not increased, same Pheads)