Algae growing on my zoa's only

[steve76s]

I can't figure out why algae is only growing on my zoa's. It's not hair algae although similar, but def. some kind of algae. The only other place Algae is growing on the live rock is because I had a small zoa colony. Any advice on how to clean them? I tried pulling it off but the algae is really tough. All my levels are right on the money with exception to the PH always hovering between 7.86 and 8 throughout the day

 

[reefwars]

I can't figure out why algae is only growing on my zoa's. It's not hair algae although similar, but def. some kind of algae. The only other place Algae is growing on the live rock is because I had a small zoa colony. Any advice on how to clean them? I tried pulling it off but the algae is really tough. All my levels are right on the money with exception to the PH always hovering between 7.86 and 8 throughout the day

algae growing on the zoas tells me that water may be fine but there are nutrients that are available and the algae is using it up and using your zoas as a surface for growth.

when nutrients are low algae has a hard time to survive and relys on photosynthesis for its needs.

check your phosphates on a reliable checker and youll see them , drop it (gfo) and youll see results , its not over night but its quick.

nitrates have to be controlled as well

 

[steve76s]

My nitrates are zero based on API and Red Sea Master kit. Phosphate is zero based on API, Red Sea and Hanna Checker. I have a GFO / Carbon Reactor from BRS and a Deltec Skimmer running. What I find weird is that it's only growing on my Zoa's, nothing else.

 

[steve76s]

Should I do a Peroxide dip? let me know what you think

 

[reefwars]

Should I do a Peroxide dip? let me know what you think

absolutely it will resolve the problem thats immediate but youll still need to find out where the excess nutrients are coming from , not sure if you mentioned it but what do you run for lights?

cheers

denny

 

[steve76s]

I run the rapid led onyx at 60% on a 30" high for about 10 hours a day 2 of those hours are ramp up and down.

 

[reefwars]

I run the rapid led onyx at 60% on a 30" high for about 10 hours a day 2 of those hours are ramp up and down.

thats not bad at all actually just because of the height , im assuming youve moved the polyps around to a less light area as well?


for an immediate cure wipe with your fingers or a soft brush off the algae if its a tough algae youll need to pull some off either with finger nails or tweasers , the h202 will take care of the rest


the api tests for p04 sucks but the hanna checker is good if your doing the tests correctly , a low battery will affect the reading as will minor things like wiping the vial. once the reagents expire ive found they are inaccurate.


got a pic of the zoa in question?

cheers

denny

 

[A. Grandis]

I do not recommend the use of GFO. Just me! It has the ability of lowering phosphates too much when misused, besides the chance of bleaching and other problems.

Mg is very important in the control of algae. I try to keep it around ~1350.
Also you pH could be low because of an alkalinity deficiency. Check that out!

Yep, you can dip the zoas in a hydrogen peroxide solution. I probably would do a 10 - 20% Hydrogen peroxide to 90 - 80% tap water for a minute once, and see what that's going to help. Removing the excess will make them look good. be careful not to harm the zoas while removing algae around them.

Solving the problem with nutrients for algae would include a good partial water change schedule, the moderate use of GAC and cutting some of the feeding. Make sure your lights are good. I would have less photoperiod, perhaps 6 to 8 hours would be enough (?). A good skimmer will also help!

Grandis.