I have a minor-to-moderate nuisance algae problem in an established reef (2-plus-years) and suspect either (or both) my ro/di source water or my flake food (fed very sparingly to a low bioload (4 small fish) in a 60-gal aquarium). What is the best test of ro/di output water to determine if it's "good"? What else should I do?? I have approx. 25 snails (astrea/cerith) and a dozen or so red reef hermits -- would having more (or different species) be advisable (and if so, how many/what species)??? Thanks much.
Nuisance algae/source water/flake food question
- Thread starter apurintun
- Start date
GrimReefer82
Roll Tide!!!
tds meter to test ro water. turbo snails would help too.
alleykat81
New member
It really depends on what type of algae you have as to what CUC to have to take care of it. Acceptable tds reading: 0. Make sure you have a good protein skimmer, high flow, use phosphate reactor, make sure bulbs aren't old. I quit feeding flake food and rinse off frozen food.
Some flake food is ok. Prime Reef by Ocean nutrition for example has a much lower phosphate to protein ratio (65 :1 vs 250 :1 for myssis or about 900:1 for silversides approximately) than most frozen foods. I use a bit of flake for variety and a mix of rinsed and thawed frozen foods. Generally it is a good idea to avoid boney foods.
