I don't even know what to title this as...

[ntvflgirl]

sorry, guys...anyway, I'm having a few problems. First is my ph/alk/calcium problem. My ph has been low for a while, which I am sure is what is causing my 2nd problem...hair algae and cyano. But, back to the first problem. My ph has been low, so I got some Kent's pro buffer dKh. Use it most mornings. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I'ts fluctuating between 7.7 and 8.2. My calcium reading is about 350, and I am adding seachem's ca for that. It won't go any higher. I really hate to use additives at all, but my hair algae was getting out of hand, and I must admit I am at a loss as to what to do now. I don't have an alkalinity test kit...my lfs hasn't had one the last few times I've been in, and they won't test it for me...only ammonia, ph, trites, and trates. I know something is amiss...but if you guys could point me in the right direction, I'd appreciate it. Also, about the hair algae...I thought it was phosphates...they're only at 0.2ppm. I'm assuming that's fine...I only use ro/di water, and I know I don't over feed. Sorry for the mumbo jumbo, but maybe if you ask more direct questions, I can give you a better understanding. Thanks in advance

 

[bang guy]

I have little doubt that you have overdosed with buffer. Buffer is not intended to raise PH, just make it more steady.
My suggestion is to order an ALK test kit. This site sells a really good Salifert kit and I highly recommend it.
In the mean time do a series of 20% water changes. This should get your Ca back up near 400ppm and it should stabilize your PH.
My long term suggestion is to start keeping track of how much of each additive you are using and what effect it has on your tank. After a couple weeks of logging this you will be able to pinpoint how much of each your tank requires to maintain levels.

 

[ntvflgirl]

Thanks, Bang Guy...will do...btw...any idea on the hair algae and cyano?

 

[bang guy]

I'm very surprised you have Hair algae with a Yellow Tang and a Sallylightfoot.
My suggestion here is to first fix the Ca & ALK and address the algae in a few weeks.

 

[michaeltx]

yellow tangs and sallys are hit and miss I have both and still have patches of hair algae. I havent found anything that will deffinatley tank care of it with out taking the rock out of the tank.
as far as the cyno over feeding can contribute to cyno also not enough flow for most types. I added a sand sifting star that helop mine out but they have some draw backs if you do a search on them most people say NO dont get one.
I agree a water chagne will help stabilize the parameters and then use the buffer to help maintain ph in the tank.
I add seachem reef complete calcium to my tank and it usually stays where it needs to be.
HTH a little
Mike

 

[ntvflgirl]

Sally ate the hair algae at first...but since has moved on to something smaller, of which I am not sure if it is the beginnings of hair algae, or something else. The tang, my husband forced me to buy, and I've only had it for 2 days. Actually, it looks pretty hardy, considering that they are notorious for ich. He is picking at the back glass, seems to be eating well, but some of this hair algae is pretty long. It looked like fur growing underneath my hang on filter...which I hate. I understand they won't touch the longer stuff. So I removed it by hand. Maybe the tang will help me get it under control. I also think I have been leaving my lights on too long. About 10-12 hours a day. What adverse effects can this have on my tank? Thanks for the help, guys

 

[bang guy]

Originally posted by ntvflgirl
I also think I have been leaving my lights on too long. About 10-12 hours a day. What adverse effects can this have on my tank? Thanks for the help, guys
Nope. Keep the lights on 12 - 14 hours.

 

[ntvflgirl]

Bang Guy....I just read this. I only left them on 7 hours today, and yesterday, and you know, it looked worse this morning. Could you give me a little more info on this please? I've read so many posts about shortening the lighting time, and getting rid of hair algae. I respect your opinion, so would you elaborate, please? Thanks.

 

[bonermeister]

Take Bang's original advice, it is some of the best advice you'll get on this board. Order an alk test and any others you need off of this site and do a series of water changes to stablize your pH and Ca levels. Messing with the lights is not treating the source of the problem; only avoiding it.
Good luck.

 

[bang guy]

Originally posted by ntvflgirl
I've read so many posts about shortening the lighting time, and getting rid of hair algae. I respect your opinion, so would you elaborate, please? Thanks.
The hair is consuming nutrients from the water. If you decrease the lighting then the algae won't grow as fast and the nutrients will build up. IMO this is worse than having hair algae. I understand your distaste for the look.
We first need to determine where the nutrients are coming from and how to get rid of them. As suggested water changes will reduce nutrients since you're using RO/DI water. Since your Phosphate level is fine I have to point the finger at Nitrate.

 

[ntvflgirl]

okay, sounds reasonable, but my nitrates are zero, as well. Could it be the algae is consuming trates so quickly that I can't get a reading? Plan on doing a water change this weekend.

 

[michaeltx]

the algae will store and consume the nutrients so you may not get a reading but they are there. thats what they are feeding on to grow.
Mike

 

[quazi]

FWIW, I would follow Bang's guidelines and start dripping kalk, and add a polyfilter.
Dripping kalk will raise the alk, and precipitate the phosphates, which sound like they are high, even though your testing shows them low. I have a feeling they are bound to substrate and rock, and the algae is pulling out of the substrate.
The polyfilter is generally a good thing when ever your tank is out of kilter. It will absorb excesses and turn colors that indicate what the bad stuff is in your tank.
my 2 cents...