Q & A #6 - Podcast Episode 61

***Rob*** · 07-13-2006, 09:09 PM

Question and answer show #6, not much more to say, you guys know the drill.. i bring up a series of questions, and well, then i answer them.. SHOCK!!..
Questions discussed
* Handling corals
* Hair algae
* Curing LR
* Hydrometer vs refractometer
* Batch vs bulk rotifers
* How close is too close for MH bulbs

Tip of the week
Get accurate test results

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NaClFinatic · 07-14-2006, 06:44 PM

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

gwen_o_lyn · 07-14-2006, 07:47 PM

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. "

veriann · 07-14-2006, 07:54 PM

nice! youv;e got that pargraph on a leash Q! lol

NaClFinatic · 07-14-2006, 08:15 PM

Thanks. I know that feeds it. I was wondering if it comes from someplace to get started. I guess there is always going to be a little that you don't notice in the rock just waitning for the right conditions to bloom?

gwen_o_lyn · 07-14-2006, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NaClFinatic

Thanks. I know that feeds it. I was wondering if it comes from someplace to get started. I guess there is always going to be a little that you don't notice in the rock just waitning for the right conditions to bloom?

You can start a tank with bleached sand and rock, add fish and corals with no algae strands, and have Hair Algae.

If the conditions are there, it will grow. I don't believe the algae "roots" are in your rocks waiting for phosphates, but I could be wrong.

And thanks BB

NaClFinatic · 07-14-2006, 08:34 PM

If everything on the rock is dead then maybe a piece could be a hitchhiker on a coral or even be in some food?

george1098 · 07-15-2006, 01:18 PM

so what was the bacterial strand product called that helps with the nair algea problem? i know zeobak from the zeovite system does something simular

***Rob*** · 07-15-2006, 09:49 PM

yes, not sure exactly where it comes from but we do know what feeds it, as gwen stated.

the product i have used to help it is called Marine S.A.T.

fat walrus · 07-15-2006, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob

the product i have used to help it is called Marine S.A.T.

there's also Stop Hair Algae, KENT's Clear Equation, and Coralife's Marine Tank Clarifier.

NM354 · 07-16-2006, 10:43 PM

More water flow and agressive protien skimming always seems to help with fighting off HA.

**wwest** · 07-16-2006, 10:49 PM

very nice podcast, one of my favorates so far

***Rob*** · 07-17-2006, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NM354

More water flow and agressive protien skimming always seems to help with fighting off HA.

yes, as with many problems this solutions will work. many issues are related to water quality, and over time to work to resolve themselves. since this product is a natural bacteria culture, and not a "chemical" i was comfortable using it

vanmo92 · 07-20-2006, 12:04 PM

You dont know green hair algae until you have seen my tank. But that should go away when I upgrade to my 72 gallon.

wildeone · 07-20-2006, 12:47 PM

What I don't understand is that my Trochus snails tore right through my HA. Some people say theres don't touch it, why is that? It's like bubble algae and emerald crabs, some say theres won't touch it and mine eat it whenever it pops up. What is the reason for that? Is is overfeeding the tank causing the critters not to look for HA and BA on there own because there is enough leftovers to keep them happy?