Continuing hair algae problem- NM Reef

[beckzilla]

Been battling this problem for several months and wanted to update and get advice on where else to go now. Have lowered all lighting drastically, lowered feedings, took out 80% of LR, cleaning rest of LR continually, doing water changes, running Rowophos through reactor, running Kent Reef Carbon through Magnum 350, running Algone through extended filter media and hair algae is still growing on LR and glass front. Have 4 powerheads running constantly. Anything else that can be done as I am perplexed as to why problem is not going away yet. How long can I run Rowophos before changing out for new? :help:

 

[thomas712]

If you've done all that then its time to check your water source, or even change salt mixes.

 

[sw65galma]

Originally Posted by Beckzilla
Been battling this problem for several months and wanted to update and get advice on where else to go now. Have lowered all lighting drastically, lowered feedings, took out 80% of LR, cleaning rest of LR continually, doing water changes, running Rowophos through reactor, running Kent Reef Carbon through Magnum 350, running Algone through extended filter media and hair algae is still growing on LR and glass front. Have 4 powerheads running constantly. Anything else that can be done as I am perplexed as to why problem is not going away yet. How long can I run Rowophos before changing out for new? :help:

Get a phosphate test kit.
Also too, if you give us a run down on your entire setup, be very specific we might be able to help you better. :thinking:

 

[beckzilla]

Originally Posted by Thomas712
If you've done all that then its time to check your water source, or even change salt mixes.
I use RO/DI exclusively and all filters are changed regularly. Instant Ocean is the only salt I have ever used.

 

[beckzilla]

Originally Posted by sw65galma
Get a phosphate test kit.
Also too, if you give us a run down on your entire setup, be very specific we might be able to help you better. :thinking:
110 gallon main, 30 gallon sump, 20 gallon fuge, 4 Mag 90 PH's, 2 Mag 1800 main pumps, Euroreef skimmer, 2 250 watt heaters, 2 400 wattMH,2 110watt super actinics, 100 lb of LR which only 20 lbs. is in tank now, hammer coral, toadstool leather, Alveopora and frogspawn.

 

[beckzilla]

Anybody, please.

 

[edwar050]

well I am also feeling your distress. I am going the macro route and trying to get different types of macro for my refugium. You have a 20 fuge but what kinds of macro? Is there any way your overfeeding or feeding a food source that has a high phosphate level? What are the tank inhabitants? Have you tried a natural source such as a lawnmore blenny, hermit crabs, or a loneable seahare? I am sure you know all this though-

 

[latino277]

why did you take out your LR??? your LR should be processing you nitrates... with less rock in you DT... more nitrates for you hair... just my $.02

 

[matty0h_52]

sometimes you just have to relly on natural ways of getting rid of it. like snails, crabs, exc sometimes that works the best way. chemical is not allways the way to go.

 

[druluv]

Too much organics in your system read this it may help:
https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/show...hreadid=114406

 

[me-n-my-fish]

How old are your lights?

 

[beckzilla]

I took out most of my LR because it was just becoming a major algae garden. Lights are about 5-6 months old. Can someone please tell me the ballpark amount of time that Rowophos lasts running through a reactor?

 

[me-n-my-fish]

Never used Rowophos, so i cant help ya there, but have you tested for phosphates (sp)?
Also, where is your tank in the house? Does it receive direct sunlight?
:thinking:

 

[compinnov]

Get some turbo snails, I have 5 of them in my 90 and they work wonders on keeping the algae at bay. More water changes, but do 10% once a week. It helps control the algae, also, if you can add another fish, add a sail fin tang, They eat algae like mad. These are my recommendations and my opinions, they helped me so im passing it along. Hope this helps.

 

[beckzilla]

Tank is not in direct sunlight ever. Have 2 Turbo's but am getting more. LMB and Achilles Tang are getting well fed from excess algae but they alone cannot keep up.

 

[sergeant]

I had the same problem, I am using 50 grams of phosban per 100 gallons. My problem was heavy feeding. Phosphates and nitrates were of the chart.

 

[floorguy]

only 2 turbos get like 25 to 30 more and dwarf blue leg hermits. I have ove 150 snails and hermits all different kinds in a 75 and i dont even no what bad algae looks like. get a great big clean up crew and watch them mow the grass for ya.

 

[fishygurl]

ummmm... have you ever just tryed getting a lawnmower blenny(they call them "lawnmowers" because they eat up hair algae like a lawnmower)
hope my advice helped!