Bryopsis or HA??

[tjherman]

No, you're correct about what you heard, Dakota. Hair algae is the general term that includes Bryopsis. It sounded like we could also lump derbasia and a few others in that same category as well. Also sounded like Bryopsis has more species than the other types so, in theory, it would be more common.

 

[oil_fan]

I wasn't even at the meeting and I'm learning way too much about this stuff...the hard way!! :doh:

 

[james s_]

Oil_Fan;403893 wrote:

Oh and yes, that's a FW picture at the back of the tank. My wife liked it when I first setup the tank. When she leaves to go to Florida during Thanksgiving...it may get replaced with something else...heh.

Good Plan!!!

 

[cdub]

i'm gonna be honest about how i fixed my problem. i fought hair algae for almost 3 months by the usual means with changing water filters, reduced feedings, filters socks, taking rock out and scrubbing it, and lights out. i finally gave up and bought some api algaefix marine. i am usually 100% against these so called "quick fix chemicals" but i was so tired of trying everything and not being able to fix the algae issue. i used this chemical for about a month along with frequent filter sock and water changes and it eliminated all of my issues.

 

[oil_fan]

cdub;404071 wrote: i'm gonna be honest about how i fixed my problem. i fought hair algae for almost 3 months by the usual means with changing water filters, reduced feedings, filters socks, taking rock out and scrubbing it, and lights out. i finally gave up and bought some api algaefix marine. i am usually 100% against these so called "quick fix chemicals" but i was so tired of trying everything and not being able to fix the algae issue. i used this chemical for about a month along with frequent filter sock and water changes and it eliminated all of my issues.

I'm going to keep with my line of attack for a month or 2. If I'm unable to beat the stuff, I then may go the chemical route. But thanks for the advice on what product to use.

 

[cdub]

i was very skeptical myself and not proud that i used it, but there are numerous threads on reefcentral of people who have used it with no ill effects. i think feather dusters are the only thing that someone lost.

 

[oil_fan]

JennM;403961 wrote: Your alk is low... bringing that up may help a bit

Jenn

What's the best way to increase alk? I have been dosing with Brightwell Aquatics Alkaline 8.3 liquid but the stuff I have is about a year old. I need to retest my alk but it hasn't budged so far.

 

[jennm]

I like Seachem Reef Builder. But the Brightwell stuff should work too - use the "advanced" method while testing for it.

Jenn

 

[oil_fan]

An update. Alkalinity is up to 3.0 meq/L and pH is now at 8.20.

I also noticed that I now have a second type of algae growing on scrubber. It's long and stringy...kinda like derbesia. :thumbs: Hopefully that's a good sign even though it is coming back inside the tank itself. I'm going to continue my aggressive water changes and scrubbing as much of the rock as possible. I've also increase skimming to the point where I now have to empty the cup every day.

A couple quick questions..what should the alk be at? And would it be a good idea to add buffer right into my ATO reservoir and just let it go into the tank that way?