GHA battle plan

[ryan_ferguson25]

So I'm havin a pretty good GHA bloom right now and a little Cyano (very little)

My Params are:
Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 0
Phos - 0
Alk - 10.3
Cal - >500
Mag - 1230

I don't want to spazz out ... but here's my plan. ..

Increase clean up crew... I have 5 turbos right now... thinking of adding 5 more

I'm doing 15% WC every other week... going to go to 20% every week.

Lights have been reduced from 8hrs to 6 hrs

Going to run phosguard in a media bag in a filter sock and change weekly.

Now... I'm assuming the algae is consuming the phosphates and that's why I'm getting zero on my test kit... do I have the bases covered?

I don't want to invest in reactors at this point... start up has been expensive...but is there another root I can go?

 

[ryan_ferguson25]

After a thorough inspection I think it's BHA... well it's kind of greenish brown hair... or brownish green hair... either way... u get the drift...

 

[Tanthaitrung]

How long have you got GHA? What test kits are you using for NO3, PO4?

I would increase flow, adjust skimmer wetter, reduce food

 

[ryan_ferguson25]

How long have you got GHA? What test kits are you using for NO3, PO4?

I would increase flow, adjust skimmer wetter, reduce food

Small amounts for a month but got pretty bad over the last couple weeks.

API for Nitrate
Salifert for PO4

I'm only feeding 1/4 to 1/2 cube a day... frozen brine/mysis/ spirolina brine...

My skimmer is currently unplugged cuz it was being a spazz and I just needed a break from it if I'm being honest...

I've got quite a bit of flow ... if I turn it up more they tend to just blow coral and sand all over

 

[rjjr1963]

So I'm havin a pretty good GHA bloom right now and a little Cyano (very little)

My Params are:
Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 0
Phos - 0
Alk - 10.3
Cal - >500
Mag - 1230

I don't want to spazz out ... but here's my plan. ..

Increase clean up crew... I have 5 turbos right now... thinking of adding 5 more

I'm doing 15% WC every other week... going to go to 20% every week.

Lights have been reduced from 8hrs to 6 hrs

Going to run phosguard in a media bag in a filter sock and change weekly.

Now... I'm assuming the algae is consuming the phosphates and that's why I'm getting zero on my test kit... do I have the bases covered?

I don't want to invest in reactors at this point... start up has been expensive...but is there another root I can go?

First you need to get a more accurate phosphate checker. I use the Hanna ULR phosphorus checker. I very much doubt your phosphate level is zero. Allow your nitrates to rise a little maybe 2 or 4 ppm, monitor phosphate and read the article at this link. Generally you want the nitrate to phosphate ratio to be about 16 to 1. Your systems needs both nitrate and phosphate.

https://buddendo.home.xs4all.nl/aquarium/redfield_eng.htm#calculator

 

[ryan_ferguson25]

First you need to get a more accurate phosphate checker. I use the Hanna ULR phosphorus checker. I very much doubt your phosphate level is zero. Allow your nitrates to rise a little maybe 2 or 4 ppm, monitor phosphate and read the article at this link. Generally you want the nitrate to phosphate ratio to be about 16 to 1. Your systems needs both nitrate and phosphate.

https://buddendo.home.xs4all.nl/aquarium/redfield_eng.htm#calculator

I've never had a Nitrate reading since the tank was finished cycling... I was up around 80 ppm during cycle... and been zero ever since... I was using API for phos hut didn't trust it so I switched to Salifert. I've tested a bunch of times and get the same results... I follow the instructions step by step.

 

[Goatonfly]

If you can get to it easily pick out as much as you can.

 

[Betaktical]

You Are getting a 0 reading because of the algae soaking it up. But if it is soaking it up that quick you can usually pinpoint the source pretty easy. It's either over feeding or bad water. Also new tank syndrome. Your plan sounds good but reducing light can stunt coral growth. I would say reduce feeding and see what happens. Once every three days is plenty


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[CCWS]

I recently had a GHA outbreak. I did two things and it's gone now:

1. Metallic Foxface
2. Algae Turf Scrubber which has been amazing. I know you don't want to spend more money but they can be done as a DIY.


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[rjjr1963]

I've never had a Nitrate reading since the tank was finished cycling... I was up around 80 ppm during cycle... and been zero ever since... I was using API for phos hut didn't trust it so I switched to Salifert. I've tested a bunch of times and get the same results... I follow the instructions step by step.

Most phosphate tests will show either 0 or some greater whole number. You need to be able to test between zero and 1. I shoot for .055. The only way to do that is with the Hanna check.

If you can't get your nitrates up you might have to dose potassium nitrate.

 

[ryan_ferguson25]

You Are getting a 0 reading because of the algae soaking it up. But if it is soaking it up that quick you can usually pinpoint the source pretty easy. It's either over feeding or bad water. Also new tank syndrome. Your plan sounds good but reducing light can stunt coral growth. I would say reduce feeding and see what happens. Once every three days is plenty


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Will try that thx!

 

[ryan_ferguson25]

Most phosphate tests will show either 0 or some greater whole number. You need to be able to test between zero and 1. I shoot for .055. The only way to do that is with the Hanna check.

If you can't get your nitrates up you might have to dose potassium nitrate.

My Salifert goes from 0, 0.03 and so on...

My water tests crystal clear which is zero. ..

Either way.. Thx for the advice.. I'll look into the dosing and do some research on that.

 

[ryan_ferguson25]

Just to clarify the feeding schedule... if I go every three days.. wud I still feed like a half cube?

2 medium sized O. Clowns and 1 2" hippo