I have an issue with some hair and other algae. Because of this, my phosphate reading (Hannah) is 0 and my nitrate reading (Red Sea Pro) is also 0. Since the algae is consuming the nitrate and phosphate, what benefit does doing a water change have on my algae problem? My readings are 0 so I am not removing any phosphate or nitrate. It seems like I need to "unlock" the phosphate and nitrate before I can remove them with water changes. I don't see how water changes will solve my algae problem.
Algae Issue and Water Change Question
- Thread starter ddrueckh
- Start date
Reef Frog
New member
There are still some NO3 & PO4 levels in the water that are below the detection levels of any hobby kits. But these levels aren't really the issue. Rock leaching & biological activity on the rock surface can provide agae nutrients directly.
Water changes are an opportunity to remove detritus, which has all kinds of material that will be broken down eventually & nutrients will be liberated in the future on a constant basis. Likewise, water changes remove some water which probably contains DOCs (dissolved organic compounds).
If you see a yellow cast in a white bucket from the water removed from the tank, you are seeing DOCs. Some DOCs are good IMO as they are consumed by some animals.
Water changes are an opportunity to remove detritus, which has all kinds of material that will be broken down eventually & nutrients will be liberated in the future on a constant basis. Likewise, water changes remove some water which probably contains DOCs (dissolved organic compounds).
If you see a yellow cast in a white bucket from the water removed from the tank, you are seeing DOCs. Some DOCs are good IMO as they are consumed by some animals.
