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RobbyandKristie

Maidens Hair in Main Tank

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RobbyandKristie
, 05-12-2010 at 06:52 PM (1895 Views)
Well, after trying everything less than a thermonuclear device I still have Maidens Hair in my tank. I've reduced the lighting, manually removed it, and reduced my feeding. I use Elos test kits and my Phosphates are 0, Nitrates 0, Nitrites 0??? I have read that you can have a tank full of algae and read 0 on Phosphates due to the algae consuming it all.

I have noticed my Chaeto seems to be getting smaller, it still looks ok nice and dark green. I'm not running any reactors, but am thinking about buying a PM reverse flow substrate reactor. However I' am wondering if I'll be wasting my money.

I have a 55 gallon tank with a PM R-30 fuge, and a PM RL-100 skimmer. I am using a 5 stage R.O. unit, no Demin though. I usually get an outlet of 20-30 ppm. But I wouldn't think that's my problem.

If anyone knows whtether or not I'm on a wild goose chase please let me know. I have no problem buying what I need, but I hate wasting money.
Robby

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Updated 05-13-2010 at 12:13 AM by melev

Categories
‎ Tank Entry , ‎ Water Chemistry

Comments

  1. fchidsey's Avatar
    how old is the setup and was the LR cooked before you put it in the tank. Is there a chance that the phosphate could be bound in the rock and leaching it slow enough for the algae to consume yet still giving you a reading of 0.

    I don't know it's just a thought.
  2. RobbyandKristie's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by fchidsey
    how old is the setup and was the LR cooked before you put it in the tank. Is there a chance that the phosphate could be bound in the rock and leaching it slow enough for the algae to consume yet still giving you a reading of 0.

    I don't know it's just a thought.
    The system is a little over a year old now. I think what happened was I blended all my different foods together like many people do, and I had so many particles that were to small for my fish to eat. Once that happened I got the Algae bloom. "and it seemed to happen all at once!" So I quickly disposed of all the blended foods and started back feeding one as I had before.
  3. fchidsey's Avatar
    That is a good possibility also.
  4. melev's Avatar
    What is 'demin'? Do you mean no DI section? You definitely want to lower the TDS closer to 0. You can add one to your existing system easily, like the one I offer. http://www.melevsreef.com/shop/diadd.html

    You should manually remove all the algae, then test the phosphate a few hours later. That will be a much more accurate reading. Also, your kit may be giving you a false reading, so have someone else test the water with another PO4 kit.
    Updated 05-13-2010 at 05:43 AM by melev
  5. RobbyandKristie's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by melev
    What is 'demin'? Do you mean no DI section? You definitely want to lower the TDS closer to 0. You can add one to your existing system easily, like the one I offer. http://www.melevsreef.com/shop/diadd.html

    You should manually remove all the algae, then test the phosphate a few hours later. That will be a much more accurate reading. Also, your kit may be giving you a false reading, so have someone else test the water with another PO4 kit.
    Yes DI, sorrymy brain was thinking one thing and my fingers another.

    I have tried having someone else test muy water, and have purchased different brand test kits as well.

    My tank isn't totally covered, the algae is in limited areas, but unless you get ALL of it when manually removing it you're just getting momentary gratification. I have been able to remove it all in some areas, not so in others.

    But if I were to install a PO4 reactor, do I have a chance of starving this stuff?
    Updated 05-13-2010 at 05:43 AM by melev
  6. melev's Avatar
    Yes, it will help. And adding more snails is another thing that is often overlooked. When's the last time you put new ones in? How many snails do you have total in what size tank?
  7. RobbyandKristie's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by melev
    Yes, it will help. And adding more snails is another thing that is often overlooked. When's the last time you put new ones in? How many snails do you have total in what size tank?
    We don't have that many large snails anymore.But we have 100's of the little white ones that are covering the glass every morning. The tank is a 55 gallon. I will try to get to my lfs tomorrow and buy the reactor and some snails as well. The snails that are in the main tank have maidens hair and vermetid snails on them! BTW I also have a healthy crop of those too.