Micro algae growing on cheato

5Bucks · Feb 1, 2015

Added cheato to my sump a few months ago. Phosphates were high at the time and it grew like crazy. Phosphates under better control now ranging from undetectable a few weeks ago to .08 on Hannah at LFS yesterday. With lower phosphates, very little growth except for micro algae growing on the cheato itself. Cheato looks okay, still green, but much denser in construction than when first added. Not loose and stringy but kinda clumpy. For light, I'm using 24watt daylight CFL 18hrs/day 4-6" away with reflector. Anyone else have micro growing on their macro? Should I try and rinse off the micro? Different light? Does lack of N limit macro more than micro? N for the most part always undetectable in my tank.

NanaReefer · Feb 1, 2015

I would try shorting your time. IMO 18hrs is an unnaturally long time. May be causing unnaturally things to happen.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Feb 1, 2015

Many years ago, when hair algae was growing on my macroalgae, someone suggested an iron supplement, and it worked. Over the next few weeks that hair algae on the macroalgae declined and the macro grew better. Apparently, some macroalgae have a harder time getting iron than does hair algae.

So that is worth a try. I recommend a DIY using Fergon tablets from the drug store.