How else to do battle with hair algae

[Okguy]

Originally Posted by michika

Okguy,

I've already changed out my bulbs. I do run a phosphate remover in a filter media bag just below the return pipe.

The difference between running it in a filter bag, and running a reactor is that I have to find how to push most, if not all, of my water through the reactor. If you have a suggestion for how to add in or run a reactor in a small space, please let me know.

What about a small hang-on filter? Anything that forces the water through the media bag should do? I'm using my fluval 304 that I normally run empty obviously too big for you but, I've seen small hang on fluvals for dirt cheap at local pet stores (of course I can't find one online to show you).

Originally Posted by michika

Okguy,

I have tested for phosphates, but it reads 0. Obviously because there is still growth in the tank there are still phosphates in the system. At this point in time I'm starting to think testing for phosphates is a waste of my time. I know I have them, as they are contributing to the algae growth, yet all tests show that there is 0.

I agree with you all my phosphate readings were also 0 but thought it might be worth a try....

I just finished reading the blog on your website and it basically shot down some of my other theories (contaminated base rock and lighting).

But there was some info I couldn't get that might be contributing to the problem.

1) How many and what type of fish do you have in the tank? I see you have at least 1 Tang in there, which will create a lot of waste for the algae to feed on.

2) What is the flow rate. I think you're somewhere between 20-30 times but I couldn't find what return pump you are using.

3) What salt are you using? I've read that some salts can cause the problems (of course I can't remember which or find the thread) but maybe someone else can chime in on this one

4) How many pounds of live rock do you have in the system?

5) Is the tank 3 months old? If so this might be part of it's maturing process. If this is the case you might just have to wait it out.

I'm willing to bet it's #5 but you never know. If you find a way to get the water to flow through the phosphate remover you can turn algae cover rocks over (if no corals are attached to it). The lack of light should kill it and the phosphate remover will lock up the phosphates they release. Just don't turn them all at once as this would probably cause a nitrate spike in your system.

I agree with Delphinus this is a rite of passage and it will only take a few minor adjustments and time before you are algae free.

Good Luck!