Macro Algae.....Miracle? Or Coincidence?

[jmeader]

How long has the DSB been in the tank? It can take up to 4 months for it to fully kick in. However, plants are an excellant exporter of nitrates. If you are growing enough of them your snails could starve to death.

 

[BitOrder]

I've been battling algae, in my 155 for the past four months...I threw everything at it...More snails, On 7/30/01 I added 40 Turbo's, 50 Cerith, 20 Bumblebee and 3 Cukes. 8/20/01 no change in algae growth.

Know I hit the boards again, read many posts regarding a Refugium. So I stroll to Petland and buy an 8 gallon plastic carrying case. Drill holes through both sides (about 10 1/4 inch holes on each side) throw it in my sump, by the intake. Threw three pieces of Macro in their, A money plant, Needle caup, and Lettuce Caup. Added this on the 8/25/01 with a week and a half, algae is no where to be found in my tank….

Question: Is this just coincidence? Or is Macro really the miracle cure for nutrient and nitrate export?

I have a variable DSB already so Nitrates should have never been a problem.

My readings Just in case you ask are:
Alk – 2.86
Calc – 380
Mag – 1190
Amm –0
Nitrate 0