Quote:
|
Originally Posted by NaClFinatic Rob, You mentioned in the show that you are pretty sure where HA comes from but I don't think you actually said where. Unless you only meant that it is typical on a newly cycled system. Can you elaborate? Thanks |
Hair algae consumes
phosphates in your system. If
phosphates are available, then the hair algae grows.
Phosphates occur in the top 14 of
trace elements found in
NSW (Natural Sea Water). They are essential for reef tanks, however when available in high amounts, this causes a nutrient source for algae to grow.
Where do these phospates come from? Many many places. Overstocking, breakdown of food, dead stuff, overfeeding by food decaying, your water, your salt, carbon can leach
phosphates, etc.
Here is a section from an article, "Test your
phosphate levels on a regular basis as it does not take much for their levels to suddenly rise about the safe zone. One small animal dying in the tank, or overfeeding a few times can easily lead to levels that are higher than the suggested levels. Also, in reef tanks, additional die off on some of the rock can increase
PO4 in the tank's water. The more often you check, the better of you will be as you will have the chance to intervene and lower the levels before algae start to appear all over the tank. "
