Close to giving up!

[jjboods]

Specs and parameters:
The tank was a 55G running since 2001. Converted to the 75G at the end of June 2004.
75G AGA with corner overflow.
~10G rubbermaid Fuge with caulerpa and Lights of America NO Flourescent light (14 hours/day).
~10G Sump with Turboflotor 1000 Skimmer.
4"DSB, ~60lbs LR.
RO/DI Water.
The sump and skimmer were added in September 2002.
The fuge was added in June when I converted the 55 to the 75.
Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, Phosphate - all zero or VERY close to zero.
Kent A/B Calcium/Buffer Combo - 30ml of each per day.
2 150W 10000K double ended HQI MH's (10 hours/day)
1 Yellow Tang
2 Clowns
Various crabs.
Now the problem(s):
The caulerpa is not growing in the fuge.
Hair algae IS growing in the tank.
HELP!!!!

 

[flatzboy]

Are you using ro water if not that is probably why you are getting hair algea. I would test your phosphate with a different test kit because I believe hair algea lives on phosphates so I think you are geting a inacurate reading. As for the caulpera I would try more light like 3-4 watts per gallon is what people have the most succes with. Also check out the thread about how much light for a fuge.

 

[jjboods]

I am using RO/DI water.
According to Bang Guy, the light I have on the fuge should be sufficient.

 

[flatzboy]

I am not sure about your hair algea then but I would still get a phosphur pad and try it out. Anf for your fuge your light is adequate but if you want it to grow like mad then get like 3-4 watts per gallon.

 

[jjboods]

I was thinking of adding a second light to the fuge. Maybe I will try to either get my water tested or buy a new test kit. Are phosphate and phosphur different?

 

[bang guy]

How many watts on the LOA NO light?
Can you get your hands on the 65watt PC version?

 

[jjboods]

Well...I'm sure I can get a PC, but the cost is the issue. Didn't really want to spring for one.
I think the LOA is 15 watts.
What about adding a regular lightbulb? Like a 60, 75, or 100 watt bulb? Would it throw too much heat?
All this is really a pain since a guy on ---- just burned me on a 48" NO that I wanted to start my old 55G back up again.
Do you guys think the light for the fuge is the problem?
Shouldn't the algae be minimal anyway if I am using RO/DI water and have an extremely low bio-load?

 

[zanemoseley]

You'd probably be supprised how much phosphate you throw into your tank via food. I have a 75 with 1 clown, 1 firefish, and 1 very small clown goby, I also run Rowaphos and still have small patches of algae but its under control. One thing I need to start doing is blowing off the rocks every couple days to blow detrius out of the crevices because thats where my algae is. The detrius builds up in the cracks and even if you have a skimmer it will fuel algae because it isn't getting to the skimmer. Also I use 0 TDS RO/DI for everything, I'd test your RO/DI to make sure its producing good water. Try blowing off your rock with a turkey baster every day and do a few 20% water changes. Also if you mainly feed frozen food try some freezedried food like cyclopeeze or flake half or all the time.

 

[jjboods]

I mostly feed pellet food. I do blow off the rock...maybe not often enough. The RO unit is only about a month old so it better be producing good water. I was planning on getting the TDS meter in a few months.

 

[bang guy]

The LOA PC fixture is only $25 - $30. I thought that's what you had.
Value Home Center sells a plastic covered PC flood bulb with a built in ballast. Those should work also.

 

[jjboods]

The LOA I bought was $6. I don't think I have that store near me.

 

[squidd]

I'm thinking the lights a little on the weak side...
Get the 65 watt PC version over your 10 gallon fuge and run it 24/7...:yes:
I'm betting your Macros take off with the change..
It will help in lowering excess nutrients, but I'm thinking fuge "volume" may also be a bit lite to completely out compete the hair algae in a 75...

 

[jjboods]

Well...the hair just started, so maybe the macro will overtake it if I get it growing quickly. I don't have room under that stand for more than that.

 

[dburr]

I also think it's the lights. I tried with NO and it also would not grow.
I went to 96W PC and it took off like crazy.
HTH.

 

[jjboods]

Well...if I get my money back from the deadbeat on ----, I'll ry to pick up a 65 watt. If not, I'll have to wait a little while.

 

[oceanminded]

Now the problem(s):
The caulerpa is not growing in the fuge.
Hair algae IS growing in the tank.
HELP!!!!
WOW I wish that was the only problem I had............

 

[jjboods]

Maybe it doesn't seem like big problem. But I have been trying to be more disciplined with the maintanence of my tank. Added the fuge, etc. And is just very frustrating when the tank is healthy but still looks like crap.

 

[jjboods]

Current USA makes a 20" 40Watt Satellite PC. fixture. Is this enough for my fuge? Would it be enough if I kept the LOA ficture with it? The fuge is about 10 gallons. Or should I really get the 65 watt? My fuge is only 14" long and the 65 watt is 24".

 

[spmnarciso]

LOA 65W flood light at my HomeDepot is only $18.00. Go for it.

 

[jjboods]

The one near me said they didn't carry LOA anymore. Any idea where in the Depot it would be? Near othe fluorescent lights? The outdoor department? Floodlight? How much heat does it throw? Do you use one on your tank/fuge?