Algae

[jcs11236]

I dont get it. my tds is always 0. i changed my carbaon n sediment every month.. my phos using hanna is .00. checked it three times. but i still have algae. i have to clean glass daily. i also noticed i have a some red bubble algae on one of my rocks. if there is no phos-y do i have algae? and how do i get rid of it! my lights are on 7 hours a day. i have used special blend before for cyano but not sure if also good for algae/red bubble algae as well?

 

[rkaragozler]

why not borrow some one else's test kit and check, it is possible the hanna is not functioning properly. Did you just recently changed out your bulbs?

 

[KathyC]

Algae is fed by phosphates. If you have algae that is using up an equal amount of phosphates, then your phosphate reading will be zero.

What you need to do is figure out where the phosphates are originating..it could be from what you are feeding (flake/pellet food, gel based foods), there is also a very small amount of phosphates in salt mixes, or you may have rock that came from a tank that had a high phosphate issue and they could be leeching from there.

The small hand-held phosphate meters are not as precise as giving an accurate reading as the lab grade Hanna meters. You might ask around and see if anyone near you have the lab grade Hanna.

Either way, changing your GFO more often (or starting to run some) should help the issue. Changing carbon more frequently will also help as will more frequent or slightly larger water changes.

Special Blend will not clear up bubble or red algae.

What is your nitrate reading?