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Green Hair Algae Clean up Crew Experiment (Comparison of Snails) : ALGAE HUNGER GAMES
- Thread starter Wally.B
- Start date
Wally.B
Active member
UDPATE: HUNGER WARS (Part II- The Algae Factory) ** GRAND FINALE **
So I want my tank back and need to clean it.
As per photo Below, there is very little Algae Growing (Wish my Display Tank was so resilient).
However I'm giving it one more week, with a Algae Cocktail (Coral Vitalized, PolypBooster, Pohl Xtra Special, Fuel, Reef Roids and Coral Frenzy), to see if this helps.
I'm leaving Lighting Period to same to have a bit of reference.
See you next Weekend.
(( BTW for those who were interested in previous post about GLUING Corals. I tried a Glue that is absolutely Perfect. Thick, works under water, and Sticks in seconds) Look up ICY-Gel From Bob Smith Industries ))
So I want my tank back and need to clean it.
As per photo Below, there is very little Algae Growing (Wish my Display Tank was so resilient).
However I'm giving it one more week, with a Algae Cocktail (Coral Vitalized, PolypBooster, Pohl Xtra Special, Fuel, Reef Roids and Coral Frenzy), to see if this helps.
I'm leaving Lighting Period to same to have a bit of reference.
See you next Weekend.
(( BTW for those who were interested in previous post about GLUING Corals. I tried a Glue that is absolutely Perfect. Thick, works under water, and Sticks in seconds) Look up ICY-Gel From Bob Smith Industries ))
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Wally.B
Active member
Winning the "Real Algae War" (update):
So I thought I'd provide an update on the Real ALGAE WAR which appears that I'm winning.
After the Tank Tear Apart and Rock Scrub, there was a initial recoil with Algae coming back. But that has subsided and there appears to be stability for now. Maybe even Early signs of regression.
So here is a quick recap and what I have in place to control the Algae.
Picture below say's it all.
When from this....
To Currently this....
Also for now. No Coral Feeding (Nutrient or Amino Additives), and Limited Fish Feeding (with focus on trying to train fish to eat more Pellets)
So I thought I'd provide an update on the Real ALGAE WAR which appears that I'm winning.
After the Tank Tear Apart and Rock Scrub, there was a initial recoil with Algae coming back. But that has subsided and there appears to be stability for now. Maybe even Early signs of regression.
So here is a quick recap and what I have in place to control the Algae.
Picture below say's it all.
When from this....
To Currently this....
Also for now. No Coral Feeding (Nutrient or Amino Additives), and Limited Fish Feeding (with focus on trying to train fish to eat more Pellets)
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Wally.B
Active member
** IMPORTANT ** Ground Probe in Sump/Tanks can SAVE YOUR LIFE (GFI is not enough)
I thought I'd pass this important tip on.
Yesterday I could have been electrocuted, but was lucky.
What happened is this. I was about to service my skimmer in my sump, and as my finger tip touch the water I got a strong Electrical shock.
My tanks and sump equipment is all GFI, so thought things were protected.
I then remembered I borrowed my Titanium Ground prove for my Experimetal tank. As soon as I placed it in my sump the GFI's kicked in.
I then unplugged all equipment and one by one plugged back in.
It was the brand new Reactor Pump I got a few weeks ago.
When I removed it, I noticed what it was.
My Sump Urchin who's been there for a year, decided to snack on my power cord. I've heard before that they can do this.
So when he bit through the insolation and EXPOSED 1 copper wire, my tank was Live with Electricity.
Had he bitten both leads, the circuit breaker would have popped.
But because the Sump wasn't grounded, the GFI didn't kick in. (My Ground plug wasn't there to ground it, so GFI didn't pick up the voltage).
So I removed the urchin and after this experience, I just got a few more ground probes to ground all my tanks, all my sumps to be extra safe.
** GET A GROUND PROBE FOR YOUR SAFETY **
In my case the Urchin could have bitten through during a major maintenance with my arms in the tank, and me not possibly balanced.
I thought I'd pass this important tip on.
Yesterday I could have been electrocuted, but was lucky.
What happened is this. I was about to service my skimmer in my sump, and as my finger tip touch the water I got a strong Electrical shock.
My tanks and sump equipment is all GFI, so thought things were protected.
I then remembered I borrowed my Titanium Ground prove for my Experimetal tank. As soon as I placed it in my sump the GFI's kicked in.
I then unplugged all equipment and one by one plugged back in.
It was the brand new Reactor Pump I got a few weeks ago.
When I removed it, I noticed what it was.
My Sump Urchin who's been there for a year, decided to snack on my power cord. I've heard before that they can do this.
So when he bit through the insolation and EXPOSED 1 copper wire, my tank was Live with Electricity.
Had he bitten both leads, the circuit breaker would have popped.
But because the Sump wasn't grounded, the GFI didn't kick in. (My Ground plug wasn't there to ground it, so GFI didn't pick up the voltage).
So I removed the urchin and after this experience, I just got a few more ground probes to ground all my tanks, all my sumps to be extra safe.
** GET A GROUND PROBE FOR YOUR SAFETY **
In my case the Urchin could have bitten through during a major maintenance with my arms in the tank, and me not possibly balanced.
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Wally.B
Active member
ALGAE HUNGER WARS (Algae Blenny in other Tank Did the Job). Needs to go on a Diet 
So my other tank was starting to show a few spots of Algae.
Being paranoid of Algae I didn't wait too long to react.
I got a Algae Blenny a couple of weeks ago. He polished the tank clean.
Now he begs for food, so I do supplement some Nori and the Green Flakes.
Boy he is a PIG for food. Just noticed his belly today. (Either pregnant or eating too much)
In my opinion he wins the Hunger Wars Contest for best Algae Clean Up crew member!!
Wish I could catch him for my other tank. He does also produce a lot of Nutrient waste which would be great for my SPS.
So my other tank was starting to show a few spots of Algae.
Being paranoid of Algae I didn't wait too long to react.
I got a Algae Blenny a couple of weeks ago. He polished the tank clean.
Now he begs for food, so I do supplement some Nori and the Green Flakes.
Boy he is a PIG for food. Just noticed his belly today. (Either pregnant or eating too much)
In my opinion he wins the Hunger Wars Contest for best Algae Clean Up crew member!!
Wish I could catch him for my other tank. He does also produce a lot of Nutrient waste which would be great for my SPS.
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reefmutt
Active member
** IMPORTANT ** Ground Probe in Sump/Tanks can SAVE YOUR LIFE (GFI is not enough)
I thought I'd pass this important tip on.
Yesterday I could have been electrocuted, but was lucky.
What happened is this. I was about to service my skimmer in my sump, and as my finger tip touch the water I got a strong Electrical shock.
My tanks and sump equipment is all GFI, so thought things were protected.
I then remembered I borrowed my Titanium Ground prove for my Experimetal tank. As soon as I placed it in my sump the GFI's kicked in.
I then unplugged all equipment and one by one plugged back in.
It was the brand new Reactor Pump I got a few weeks ago.
When I removed it, I noticed what it was.
My Sump Urchin who's been there for a year, decided to snack on my power cord. I've heard before that they can do this.
So when he bit through the insolation and EXPOSED 1 copper wire, my tank was Live with Electricity.
Had he bitten both leads, the circuit breaker would have popped.
But because the Sump wasn't grounded, the GFI didn't kick in. (My Ground plug wasn't there to ground it, so GFI didn't pick up the voltage).
So I removed the urchin and after this experience, I just got a few more ground probes to ground all my tanks, all my sumps to be extra safe.
** GET A GROUND PROBE FOR YOUR SAFETY **
In my case the Urchin could have bitten through during a major maintenance with my arms in the tank, and me not possibly balanced.
Wally, this is good advice. Thanks for passing it on. And I'm glad you didn't end up with a permanent new hairdo! Or worse..
Wally.B
Active member
Make sure you get a TITANIUM tip one. Proper for fish tank.
You don't want to put in a COPPER wire into you tank. I got 3 more at $10 each (one for each tank and associated sump). You need one for each since you may be doing Maintenance on Sump or Tank with a fault in either (and when return pump isn't running, the sump and tank are not conductively connected).
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BrianKC
New member
You should not leave a ground probe connected all the time. Stray current without a ground doesn't actually create voltage across your animals (think about birds and squirrels sitting on exposed power lines). Connecting the ground probe before putting your hand in is a good idea; once you're done, though, you should disconnect it.
Wally.B
Active member
Are you suggesting it was fine that my Pump wire was exposed, and my tank was 120Volts live (and GFI didn't kick in) !!!
Why should you NOT leave the ground probe in the Tank or Sump?
- There is no harm to the tank with it being grounded.
- There is no harm with the Titanium Tip leaching anything into water.
With the probe in place the tank is safely grounded and two wire pumps, etc without ground are protected.
With the tank always safely grounded, it is safe just in case kids put their fingers into the tank. Same if you have a spill that doesn't spill perfectly to trip GFI.
Sure birds on an exposed wire are safe, but they fly away without touching the ground at the same time.
- Every time you maintain a tank (sump equipment) or even dip you finger in to put in some flakes you touch tank water.
I can't think of any reason why I would remove the probe. Actually it was because I temporarily removed the probe that almost got me shocked.
Is there any reason why not to safely ground a tank and also have all electrical things on GFI? (I can't think of a single reason).
BrianKC
New member
A) a ground probe won't save you. Your wet hand and body create a better ground than a thin titanium probe. A GFCI outlet is much better protection.
B) basics of electricity. CURRENT doesn't happen unless there's a return to source or a flow to ground. If you have a ground probe, you are creating current that flows through your animals instead of stray voltage. It's the difference between feeling static electricity making your hair fluff versus having a shock run thru you.
B) basics of electricity. CURRENT doesn't happen unless there's a return to source or a flow to ground. If you have a ground probe, you are creating current that flows through your animals instead of stray voltage. It's the difference between feeling static electricity making your hair fluff versus having a shock run thru you.
Wally.B
Active member
The ground probe by itself (Will not save me). You are correct.
But if you read my post I said that my GFCI didn't kick in since they way the work is they need to sense a GROUND Stray voltage.
Secondly, A titanium probe is a thick Probe connected to a copper wire that it connected to your Electrical ground. Way more conductive than your wet hands. Use an OHM meter and compare wet hands to copper wire if you don't believe me.
** IF TANK NOT GROUNDED, Stray voltage sits in your tank looking for a best ground path (which could be you!!) **
So when my tank wasn't grounded, and that (ONE) wire got chewed by the Urchin, my tank was 120Volts. When I touched the water (which I did briefly), I got a shock because I was grounded to floor (basement concrete). If I fell in and feet were grounded, I would be killed.
** THE GFCI "DID NOT" KICK IN (without the ground probe), even though tank for fully 120V Charged!! **
** THE GFCI "DID" KICK IN (with the ground probe), right away! **
If the Urchin Chewed both wires, it would have shorted my circuit and my Break would have tripped. not the GFCI.
But when I dropped in the ground probe, the GFCI did kick in right away.
*THAT WAS/IS MY POINT TO HAVE A GROUND PROBE, it will trip your GFI and possibly save your life **
Plus probe will draw off any minor stray voltage too (but that is nothing).
*** SO the point is, if your tank isn't grounded with a ground probe, and your tank is electrocuted, your GFCI MAY NOT KICK IN (Since GFCI's sense ->To Ground Stray Voltage ****
** Please don't suggest that folks to not ground their TANKS, unless you really understand what you are suggesting **
** If you do have a valid reason, then I'm all ears **
(Use a GFCI "with" a GROUND PROBE ...was my original Point. GFCI Outlet ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH.)
BTW. I am an Electrical Engineer. Not an Electrician, but I understand GFCI outlets and how they work and that they need a ground to work properly.
And NOT JUST A GROUND to Earth. A ground to the circuit ground your GFCI is grounded to. (And not some sloppy connection thru power bar after power bar that may not be connected properly to GFCI ground).
My experience proved GFCI didn't kick in without the ground probe.
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Wally.B
Active member
Thanks. I read both.
Yes, I hear the point about the continuous current path to ground and possibility of some health/comfort impacts to fish (Possibly....Not a scientifically confirmed).
So your point of inserting a probe just before placing hands in makes some sense now. It would trip the GFCI to warn you not to place hand in.
However I'm still not convinced, to take the risk on myself (forgetting to put probe in), or risking my Family & children to get electrocuted (when I'm not around).
Plus when a pump cord fails, I'd rather have the GFCI trip right away (100% of the time). What's the point of a GFCI if it doesn't work 100% to prevent a shock or electrocution.
I need to read more up on this. (Like better ways to ground more things and prevent Stay Voltages, or reduce inductance in to tanks).
Thanks for sharing this insight, since I like to be informed.
In my case, the ground probe is not to remove a stray voltage, it is to ensure my GFCI trips when tank is 120V from Electrical Device failure 100% of the time.
Grounding probes stay in 100% of the time for me. When the choice is Fish Live (Better) or Me Live (Period), I choose Me
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reefmutt
Active member
Also...on the topic of Voltage induction into Tanks.
I'm now more convinced it was worth the effort to clean up my wiring in my sump room last year.
I'm pretty sure this Tidy Up helped everyone.
Holy WOW!!!
Amazing job!!
It only helped me to feel inadequate!!
mav3rick478
Premium Member
ALGAE HUNGER WARS (Algae Blenny in other Tank Did the Job). Needs to go on a Diet
So my other tank was starting to show a few spots of Algae.
Being paranoid of Algae I didn't wait too long to react.
I got a Algae Blenny a couple of weeks ago. He polished the tank clean.
Now he begs for food, so I do supplement some Nori and the Green Flakes.
Boy he is a PIG for food. Just noticed his belly today. (Either pregnant or eating too much)
In my opinion he wins the Hunger Wars Contest for best Algae Clean Up crew member!!
Wish I could catch him for my other tank. He does also produce a lot of Nutrient waste which would be great for my SPS.
Smuggling a bowling ball in his belly!!! :spin2:
BrianKC
New member
Also...on the topic of Voltage induction into Tanks.
I'm now more convinced it was worth the effort to clean up my wiring in my sump room last year.
I'm pretty sure this Tidy Up helped everyone. [ Fish, Family and Friends
Jealous. My tank is on an outside wall and I have the joy of hauling buckets around all the time.
Wally.B
Active member
ALGAE WARS (Inspiration Teaser - Sea Hare vs GHA)
Yup, it was last Christmas break that got me started on the Algae Wars Movie.
Not much has happened since then (movie wise).
But March Break is next week and I may have time again to get some progress.
So here is a tidbit offering Video Clip on You Tube.
This is the Timelapse Video that I never showed before. (And what inspired me to think of Jabba, and then Star Wars/Alage Wars)
Jabba The Hut attacking the Green Hair Algae.
YOUtube : [Algae Wars] Jabba (Sea Hare) Vs Green Hair Algae
Enjoy,
Wally B
Yup, it was last Christmas break that got me started on the Algae Wars Movie.
Not much has happened since then (movie wise).
But March Break is next week and I may have time again to get some progress.
So here is a tidbit offering Video Clip on You Tube.
This is the Timelapse Video that I never showed before. (And what inspired me to think of Jabba, and then Star Wars/Alage Wars)
Jabba The Hut attacking the Green Hair Algae.
YOUtube : [Algae Wars] Jabba (Sea Hare) Vs Green Hair Algae
Enjoy,
Wally B
Wally.B
Active member
DIY Aurdino (Gyre Pump Controller) CONTROLLER (Finished)
** GOT THIS PROJECT OUT OF WAY, so I can work on Algae Wars Movie during March Break Week **
Bit more (nice to have) programming to do but it's running my Gyre now.
- Will be expanded to add more thing like Dosing Pump, Feed Button, etc, etc
- Might even interface into Apex, or put on Network for remote control.
Full details here, if interested... DIY Gyre Controller (MOD) Ardiuno
** GOT THIS PROJECT OUT OF WAY, so I can work on Algae Wars Movie during March Break Week **
Bit more (nice to have) programming to do but it's running my Gyre now.
- Will be expanded to add more thing like Dosing Pump, Feed Button, etc, etc
- Might even interface into Apex, or put on Network for remote control.
Full details here, if interested... DIY Gyre Controller (MOD) Ardiuno
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neededahobby
New member
still waiting for the final movie -
