phosphate filter pad ?

[gesswhosbak]

looking in one of my mags and found this red phosphate filter pad. There is a general maintenance one and then there is a red/hair algae one. My 29 is getting hair algae. I am wondering if after i clean it out, then run one of these pads if that will clear it up for goo. I am using distilled water(bout to switch to r/o di). Anyone ever use one of these?
-Gess

 

[beaslbob]

I don't like or use phosphate filter pads. Plant life will consume phosphates.
You are getting hair algae because there is no other plant life in the system. The ammonia, nitrates, phosphates and carbon dioxide consumed by your current plant life is comming mainly from the bioload in your system and not from your input water. You simply will continure to have plant life regardless of the input water you are using. The only question is if you like the plant life or not. If not then move that plant life to another location like a seperate refugium or add plant life like macros you like. Or do both.

 

[dreeves]

You are getting nusiance algae because of excess nutrients in your system...nothing more, nothing less.
You have to lower the nutrients in your water to get rid of the nusiance algaes...there are ways to do this..and one of these is the addition of macro algaes...but that is by no means the only way as previously suggested.

 

[thomas712]

Personally I would suggest active protien skimming.
A water change
and the use of a polyfilter that will do much more than remove phosphates.
Reduce your feedings, cut way back on frozen foods.
How's your clean up crew? need to beef it up?
Thomas

 

[gesswhosbak]

Yeah thats why i am working on my refuge design. Shoul have it up and running in a week or two. Do not have a skimmer, what would be good for the limited space in my sump? And deffinitely need to boost my cleanup crew. One large hermit,few snails. Man he is getting lazy though

 

[beaslbob]

gess: warning. If you just boost your clean up crew, reduce the plant life in your system, you can and probably will have very serious problems especially after livestock is added. Carbon dioxide buildups, ph drops, high levels or nitrAtes and phosphates are a very likely out come.
Even the ugly algeas are keeping your system in good working order. Get desirable plant life going (like you refugium) then work on the uglies. that way there will always be plant life working on your system.
I know because i didn't. And lost several fish until I added macros in the system.

 

[thomas712]

Perhaps a water change could help you out Bob