Calcium over 520 according to AP test kit

[JLAudio]

I just tested all my parameters for the first time in a while because I noticed some algae forming on my glass, so I assumed I would find high phos or nitrates:

RESULTS:
Nitrates:0
Phos: Almost undetectable, according to AP kit (I KNOW I KNOW, its a sucky kit and doesnt mean much) but im running a reactor w/ phosban on it.

What I did find was my calcium over 520 which was the maximum amount that 13 drops into solution would indicate and I was at 17

I havent tested in over a month and have been dosing with ESV 2 part, at reccomended dose, however I do weekly 10-15% water changes, possibly making what Ive been dosing too much.

Could the algae be from excess 2 part?
Any thoughts?

 

[Sean]

have you tested your ph and alk?

 

[JLAudio]

ph is 8.4 but unfourtantly I accidently through out alk kit, so till I can get to LFS im gonna have just go with this

 

[JLAudio]

Here some pics of some hair algae growing on one rock and one rock only, I posted a thread in the past contemplating if it was hair algae or maiden hair because its somewhat attractive. I dont get how it grow on one rock A. and how it survives with such minimal nutrients B.

Possibly a product of dosing

 

[meschaefer]

I doubt high Calcium is causing your problem. You will not have algae problems if you do not have high nutrients, the nutrients are necessary for its growth. Even if your tests indicate low phosphate/nitrate levels (excluding the possibility that your tests are not accurate), it only means that there are no nutrients available in the water column.

Think of it this way. You add a nutrient source to the water column. It breaks down, and makes the nutrients available to the algae. The algae grows until it uses all the nutrients up, and it is no longer available in the water column. You do your tests showing no available nutrients (remember the algae used it all up). You scratch your head, and then feed your tank... repeat cycle.

Now your going to say..."but I am running phosban". Well all that means is that the algae and the phosban are simultaneously competing for phosphate. The algae gets some and grows, the phosban gets some and you test your water and get a zero reading. You then feed your tank, and repeat cycle.

I also do not know what it means to be dosing your calcium and alkalinity at the "recommended dose". (I am being facetious) How does the manufacturer of the supplement now how much alkalinity and calcium your tank uses? They don't. You need to test your water for both calcium and alkalinity, figure out how much your tank is using, and then dose.

Get an alkalinity test kit.

 

[KathyC]

Very well said Matt!