Trace elements and algae

[Billyreef-ita]

Hi everybody,
Two weeks ago I started dosing trace elements and now I see some algae growth, it’s slow but constant. I’m dosing following the fauna marin instructions, actually I’m dosing even less than recommended.
Nothing changed in the management of the tank unless the dosing part.
NO3 are 2ppm, PO4 at 0,1 ppm.
My question is: do trace elements favor algae growth?
Thanks

 

[Cthulukelele]

Hi everybody,
Two weeks ago I started dosing trace elements and now I see some algae growth, it’s slow but constant. I’m dosing following the fauna marin instructions, actually I’m dosing even less than recommended.
Nothing changed in the management of the tank unless the dosing part.
NO3 are 2ppm, PO4 at 0,1 ppm.
My question is: do trace elements favor algae growth?
Thanks

How old is your tank? Corals? Size?

 

[Billyreef-ita]

Three years manly sps and lps.
Tank 35G

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Both corals and algae (and other photosynthetic organisms) use the same trace elements, and I think trying to control algae by limiting trace elements is tricky and may be a loosing proposition in the long run.

 

[Billyreef-ita]

I see, but if not working on trace elements how can I stop this algae trend?
Maybe PO4 to high? They are at 0.1 ppm it seems to me they are in the high range but not too high, maybe starting a little bit of GFO?

 

[Pistondog]

Your Po4 is fine. Add some snails/urchins/crabs to help and/or manually remove the algae.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I see, but if not working on trace elements how can I stop this algae trend?
Maybe PO4 to high? They are at 0.1 ppm it seems to me they are in the high range but not too high, maybe starting a little bit of GFO?

IMO, the best plan to beat algae is to have organisms that eat it. Not low nutrients or trace elements.

 

[Billyreef-ita]

Thanks, other then the usual algae eating crew, is there also a tang that eats algae more than others?