Algae Question
 

I never went through any algae cycles when I set my newest tank up about I guess 4 months ago but seem to be now. I am getting some very long stringy brown stuff. Kind of slimy almost. Covering quite a lot of rocks and corals even. Never had this before...anyone know what it may be and what the cause usually is?

like matts? dinoflaggelates? pictures in this thread

Same problem here for last monthe.
 

just finishing that now. i have a good timer for my light and only have it it on for 4 one hour periods. in about 2-3 days most will show sgns of dying. in anohter 4-5 days you should be good.

im not sure but i think the seperate running times interfears with the photosynthisis progress. i keep a standing lamp on and nearby most of the day.

i have used no chemicals at all and it seem to be fine. the reason it took so long is because i turned lights on too soon and didnt notice te new growth for a couple of days.

I have also added a nano korialia for more flow and this has helped. i might have some pics of this algae in my link.

Yeah so its definitely dinoflaggelates. Not too bad at the moment but I don't want it to get out of control.

My PH always seems to be a bit high and that one article says that could be part of the cause. Problem is, I have no idea why my PH is always on the higher side and since everything seems to be thriving, I have always left it.

It ranges from 8.4 to about 8.8

mine was related to phos.

Actually I guess the article uses elevated PH as part of a solution, not a cause.

not PH phosphorus. it was only up to .3 adn this was enough.

Holy wowzers! Your pH gets up to 8.8??? Try doing a search on Reef Central for "high pH"...there was a really good thread about it some time ago.

For the record, Phosphate at 0.3 is high.

Yeah I may have been part of that thread :)

I need to check the calibration of my probe but since it has not caused any problems, Im not too concerned right now.

ya i know its high i was saying its high enouge to spur algae growth. picking up ro unit tom. hopfully this helps.