Please Help with this...

caspar

New member
I know their are several topics on this already but need to find an answer that will work. Problem is Hair Algae, pics attached tank info 2 + yrs and no problems all parameters check out bulbs replaced 96w PC's 1 is full actinic other is 10,000k tank is 30 gal with 20 gal sump/refugium ph 8 - 8.2 calcium 420ppm alk 7dkh nitrates 10-15 ppm phos undected allthough algae is consuming it probably, read articles on magnesium etc dont have magn test kit though. Refugium has grape calerpa and cheato, live sand bed display lights are actinic on for 8hrs 10k on 6hrs. have lawnmower blenny that does nothing 3 lg turbo snails blue tang and not sure the name of other tang see pic none do anything for it......please help any more info needed will provide
 

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RO/DI water is used and do a 12-15 gal water change every 3 weeks never had this problem until about a month ago, also am trying a turbotwist 3x UV being fed by a fluval 305 with nothing in it but seachem phosguard and seachem Matrix have excellent water movement in tank provided by korila 1 & 2 pumps along with a sweeping power head really no dead spots..........
 
The best way to deal with hair algae, aside from something eating it, is to prevent it from getting nutrients. Phosphate is usually the easiest way, and GFO is a fine way to go for increased phosphate export. :)
 
would loading my fluval 305 with alot more Seachem PhosGuard work like using the 150 Phosban reactor if so what should i throttle the 305 output to be wide open or partially closed etc..
 
GFO = Granular Ferric Oxide

It's hard to tell what it is. If it's hair algae, zebra hermits will mow it down in no-time at all. If it's bryopsis, you are in for a battle. Raising magnesium up over 1400 seems to be the craze now days. Manual removal outside the tank is also a good way to do it - just get a nice clean brush and a bucket of SW and go to town.
 
I'm nto a fan of Phosguard due to the potential for released aluminum that can irritate corals. But it can work.

GFO is an iron based phosphate binder that many companies sell.

These have more:

Phosphate and the Reef Aquarium
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-09/rhf/index.php

The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners,
Part 4: What Chemicals May Detrimentally Accumulate
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-09/rhf/index.php

Aluminum and aluminum-based phosphate binders
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/july2003/chem.htm

Iron Oxide Hydroxide (GFO) Phosphate Binders
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-11/rhf/index.htm
 
what would be the best media i can use in my fluval 305 until i can get me a reactor i got to get this algae under control before wife makes me teardown whole system and considering it is mounted in wall dont want to do that.
 
It might be fine, but it is smaller particle size so may escape your filter more easily unless it is contained in a fine mesh.
 
Does GFO have any effect on water parameters such as PH Cal, alk etc.. and can it be just simply the whole amount say the 1 pound bottle all be put in say a fine filter bag and then put in the Fluval wwhere water passes through it.....
 
It mostly only drops phosphate, but it may add a bit of iron and it may cause a bit of calcium carbonate precipitation and/or uptake by corals as the phosphate declines. It is covered in the article above in great detail. :)
 
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