MacroAlgae Issue

[andrew_kin]

Hi everyone

I bought this hands-full of macro algae from my LFS and put it into my 24 hour lighted (20w philip giving out a 100w).

As days passed, the algae become thinner and thinner. I do not seem to know the problem as my previous post, no one seem to post any comments about it.

Anyhow, today - the algae which was in my sump - completely dissapear - died due to i have no idea. These are the listed few reason i think lead to the death of my algae;

Do crabs eat algae? That sump compartment has many crabs - some to the size of your thumb nail.

The light?

Ionization (I felt it that day when i put my hand into the sump to collect what is left of my algae?

Do post up any other reasons if possible. Know anywhere i can read more about "how to have survival algaes?"

TX

 

[Seahorsewisprer]

I have found that my different macros seem to fade when they run out of nutrients. If my Iron or Nitrate levels get low, they show it. Since I've been testing and adding both, my macros are growing much better. I also test phosphate but have never had to add that!

I have macros in my sump, and my light only covers about a third, but the macros seem to grow equally well on both sides!

 

[andrew_kin]

problem is - my nitratre is not even low. That got me thinking. about iron - i might think of adding it ... depending on when i am getting my new algae that is///

 

[Seahorsewisprer]

If you don't have a bunch of Iron eaters, that might not be your problem. Do you have a test kit for Iron? You might want to test to see if that is your problem before you add any...

Do you know what the macro is you are trying? I've found some to be more temperamental than others....

 

[Triterium]

I have a feeling its caulerpa.
When is the last time you did a big water change?
How big of an area is the 20w bulb covering?
How far from the surface is the bulb?

If you do have a caulerpa, it may have died from low lighting or went sexual (how was water quality after it died?)

Get yourself some chaetomorpha (if thats what you have, get some more from another source). Ive kept that stuff in 40 degree water up to 90 degree water and in high and low salinity. That stuff if tuff.