algae in overflow

[agent007]

This is probably a silly question but I want to be sure I maintaining my tank
correctly before I start introducing coral into my tank.

I have thick carpet of algae (I guess it is hair algae) growing behind my overflow wall. Is this normal or am I doing something wrong with my
tank maintenance. Water parameters appear to be in order, except ph is a little low (approx 8 to 7.8 - I usually maintain 8.2)

Can I cultivate the aglae (let it grow with occassional pruning) and feed
it to my algae eating critters or should I clean it up as soon as it appears?

 

[ChunksInClemson]

Hair algae is only harmful to the appearance. Someone else can back me up but its not harmful to corals. I would get the pH up and steady before introducing corals though.

If the hair algae is in your overflow, no one can see it. You might just want to clean the top but it will keep coming back. As far as cultivating it, I wouldnt. You'll be asking for an outbreak in the whole tank to where you clean it off one day and its back again in the next 2-3 days. Total nightmare!!!! There should be enough to keep the critters alive.

 

[agent007]

Thanks for the tip Chunks. I'll clean out the overflow tonight.
I have increased my water changes to bring the ph back up but do you
know of any other ways to adjust ph? I've been reading that you should
stay away from chemical additives that increase ph to target level.

 

[ChunksInClemson]

Yeah no problem. I personally wouldn't use any of those chemical additives. Baking soda does something but cant rmbr if it lowers or raises. Im pretty sure it raises but dont take my word for it. I've never really had much problem with pH so I dont know how much more I could help, sorry.

 

[graveyardworm]

Baking soda can raise alkalinity, which will help stabilize PH. What test kits do you have agent?

 

[agent007]

I have Acquarium Pharmaceuticals and Salifert. I started with AQ and then I read about Salifert - seems to be an RC favorite. I then bought Salifert and tested with both. Both readings were on par. I've had the AQ test kit for over a year now. Perhaps AQ solutions are degrading?

Anyway, AQ readings are now 7.8 and Salifert reads approx 8 (the color appears slightly darker than the 8.0 I see on the card but not sure)

 

[graveyardworm]

You're talking about Ph right? If its just over 8 then you're fine. Ph #'s will change throughout the light cycle which is why some people run refugiums with macro on reverse light cycle from the display. The added O2 from the macro at night helps to reduce the PH swing.

 

[agent007]

Yep, I'm talking about Ph. I do not have refugium (just a sump) that's something I might look into later But I only have some much room under my tank. I hope water changes work for the time being. I will also look into baking soda method.

Thanks for the help.

BTW, I removed that hair algae from the overflow - NASTY LOOKING.

Cheers!

 

[graveyardworm]

Heres alk calcium and magnesium all linked to each other.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

 

[agent007]

Cool. Thanks for the help.