Thermometer

[foundanemo]

Okay well i have to talk about my little mistake. I have been having a little bit of a hair algae problem since I moved about 8 months ago. I have been fighting it and just couldn't figure out what I am doing wrong. I added some phosban, finally built a sump/fuge, changed my halides, water changes, picked and scraped, using tested rodi water, cut down on feedings. Well the other day I remember that I am not using the simplest of tools, A thermometer. Well I finally got one it the tank, and guess what the temp was 86 degrees.

I Bet that has something to do with the algae. I just thought it was a little amusing after I finished feeling like a fool, and thought I would share this story.

 

[pezenfuego]

Wow 86 is pretty high. I don't think that has anything to do with the algae though. Once you fix your temperature, you'll be doing everything right, so it should die down after a while. How is it you didn't know it was so high? 86 is almost hot...

 

[flower]

My tank gets to 86, usually it is 82 -84 and the coral and fish are happy as can be.
In the reef the temp goes between 80 - 90. Once in a blue moon lower...The 90 not so often, and in a tank shouldn't be allowed to stay that high.
I am no expert, but the following is from my experience.
I think the temp does have a little something to do with algae. Most people keep their tank at 78 - 80 to be able to catch anything going wrong since cooler tamps slow things way down.
The warmer temp allowed the problem to happen faster than you could catch it and fix it. The heat didn't cause the algae, it just allowed it to grow under optimal conditions.
What is good for coral is good for algae too. Perhaps you have been maybe over feeding the tank???

What the coral doesn't absorb feeds the algae. The warmer temp lets it grow nice and fast.

 

[foundanemo]

i just hope it helps me get it back under control.

 

[jdl]

a controller is a great thing to have. Will keep your temp stable. Not sure how i lived without one, but it isnt a necessary item.