Matt L.
Non-member
I've recently come into probably one of the most difficult problems I've faced as a reefer: green hair algae (GHA)
Fortunately, I have the flexibility to pursue several options, the simplest of which I think is selling my frag tank corals and turning off my MH lights.
Before we begin, I'll provide you a little bit of information about my setup: I have 375gal combined basement sump, refugium, frag tank, and sub-sump setup. I do not have a display tank yet.
My livestock consists of only one zebra moray (a large bio-load, I know), to whom I feed a medium-sized, thawed shrimp, once a week.
My water parameters are good. I know this, because I recently used the services of Triton Labs
!
P 3.88 µg/l
PO[SUB]4[/SUB][SUP]3-[/SUP] 0.012 mg/l
I have since taken to running GFO to reduce the phosphate level lower.
For nitrates, I have to rely on a home test kit, but I'm consistently getting a non-detect there.
I have not been carbon dosing, but could. Without detecting nitrates, though, I have no way to control my dosing.
The GHA infestation is limited to my frag tank, the only illuminated tank. My frag tank is a 120gal with two, 250W, DE HQI 14000K MH lights. The bulbs are new, being replaced on January 1. I have reduced lighting to 3 hours a day and blocked out ambient light using a black tarp. I have had the lights off in my refugium for weeks.
I tried breaking down the frag tank once, and saw all the GHA return.
I had a bryopsis problem, which I killed off with Kent Tech M. My magnesium levels are still elevated, but falling as I do water changes.
I do use RO/DI water, but have had a problem with high TDS breakthrough. So it's not inconceivable that phosphate from my well water is naturally entering the tank. I need to work to control this. I use Instant Ocean reef crystals for salt.
I do not have many corals and no plans for setting up my display tank any time soon. I have two small children, and am busy with other home improvement processes. So I could sell off the few frags I have, kill my MH lights, and starve the GHA out using GFO over the coming months.
But before I pursue this option, which requires the least effort on my part, I was wondering if anybody had any better ideas?
Matt
Fortunately, I have the flexibility to pursue several options, the simplest of which I think is selling my frag tank corals and turning off my MH lights.
Before we begin, I'll provide you a little bit of information about my setup: I have 375gal combined basement sump, refugium, frag tank, and sub-sump setup. I do not have a display tank yet.
My livestock consists of only one zebra moray (a large bio-load, I know), to whom I feed a medium-sized, thawed shrimp, once a week.
My water parameters are good. I know this, because I recently used the services of Triton Labs
!P 3.88 µg/l
PO[SUB]4[/SUB][SUP]3-[/SUP] 0.012 mg/l
I have since taken to running GFO to reduce the phosphate level lower.
For nitrates, I have to rely on a home test kit, but I'm consistently getting a non-detect there.
I have not been carbon dosing, but could. Without detecting nitrates, though, I have no way to control my dosing.
The GHA infestation is limited to my frag tank, the only illuminated tank. My frag tank is a 120gal with two, 250W, DE HQI 14000K MH lights. The bulbs are new, being replaced on January 1. I have reduced lighting to 3 hours a day and blocked out ambient light using a black tarp. I have had the lights off in my refugium for weeks.
I tried breaking down the frag tank once, and saw all the GHA return.
I had a bryopsis problem, which I killed off with Kent Tech M. My magnesium levels are still elevated, but falling as I do water changes.
I do use RO/DI water, but have had a problem with high TDS breakthrough. So it's not inconceivable that phosphate from my well water is naturally entering the tank. I need to work to control this. I use Instant Ocean reef crystals for salt.
I do not have many corals and no plans for setting up my display tank any time soon. I have two small children, and am busy with other home improvement processes. So I could sell off the few frags I have, kill my MH lights, and starve the GHA out using GFO over the coming months.
But before I pursue this option, which requires the least effort on my part, I was wondering if anybody had any better ideas?
Matt
