High Phosphate but Poor Chaeto Growth

[dochoot]

I think my ro/di was end of life and has been letting in high phosphate to the tank. I am struck by the fact that Chaeto growth during this time is actually less then usual. Algae on glass and water column much increased. Does this make sense?
Thanks

 

[saltwater sam]

That means your phosphate to nitrogen ratio is too high. If you increase your nitrogen your chaeto would do better.

 

[Subsea]

Fast growing macro algae like Chaeto, Caulerpa, and Ulva consume large amounts of nitrogen. There biomass ratio of nitrogen to phosphate is often
>100-1.

Consider adding a nitrogen source to activate phosphate uptake of Chaeto. Also, prune and remove Chaeto for nutrient export. If it's growth stays dormat, it could easily leach nutrients into water.

 

[dochoot]

Thanks, interesting.

 

[DamonG]

Add more light on the macro..