Algae Problems

[fishnugget]

I have a 210 gallon tank. I use 3 400 watt 10K Reeflux bulbs. (Love the color) & 2 Super actinc.

Tank is 28" deep and bulbs are 10" off water. Daily I have to clean glass from brownish film. All parameters are in range. Bulbs 3 months old.

Dkh- 8.5
Nitrate 10
Phosphates- .025
Salinity .026
Calcium 420
mag 1325

Have a protein skimmer running 24/7. Carbon and rowa phos each in own reactors running 24/7. Have not hooked Geo calcium reactor up yet.

Having trouble with clove polyps and brains. Is there too much light. Is it overkill? Or is there something I am missing that would help. Can't stand constant algae cleaning.

Monthly water changes w/ reef crystals

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Increasing nutrient export will help. When was the last time you changed the Rowaphos?

 

[fishnugget]

45 days ago. Has always been an issue. Could lighting be too strong?

 

[Billybeau1]

The GFO is likely spent. Try renewing it and keep an eye on you PO4 levels. Even with low levels of phosphate you can still get micro algae.

As far as how much lighting for certain corals, the Coral forum may be able to help.

The thing about phosphate is that even though you are exporting it, you are still adding it everytime you feed. It's a constant battle.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I agree. replace the GFO. Then again in a week or two if the algae is still a problem.

 

[fishnugget]

Phosphate at .025. Always have some measured level coming out of reactor. Even after a week of new media. Is there some oother more effective way othher than continually throwing $100's of at media. Which never seems to get the resultts I am after.

 

[Billybeau1]

A fuge with lots of macroalgae is one way.

Phosphate and the Reef Aquarium
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-09/rhf/index.php

and

Phosphorus: Algaes best friend
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/sept2002/chem.htm