Cleaning Corals

[dirtefish]

So my algae issue is really ****ing off my zoas. I have one crab that actually tries to clean them, but hes losing the battle.
I had tried to pull it from the tank and toothbrush around the zoas but it doesnt seem to work very well and really aggravates the zoas.

Any tips on cleaning algae from around corals? Im still working on reducing algae from my mt but just need some help keepingthe corals clean while im fighting with the issues causing the algae.

Have heard of peroxide dip for killing off the algae and will be reading up on it today.
As well as checking out any other options the search for info brings up. Just looking for anyone who has won the algae/cyano battle input on keeping corals happy during the uglies.

 

[Cake_Boss]

Hydrogen peroxide dip FTW

 

[dv3]

yup H2o2 would be what i would try ...last time i tried it at 50/50 for dip and it worked pretty good just be careful not to leave them in there to long

 

[dirtefish]

yup H2o2 would be what i would try ...last time i tried it at 50/50 for dip and it worked pretty good just be careful not to leave them in there to long

How long were ya dipping? Reading 5 to 15

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[dv3]

i dont recall ..i would say five at the longest of the top of my head ....you can always redo it the next day if its not log enough but cant redo dead corals
the first time i did it i left them in too long and the base of my zoas turned clear some actually lived through it but it killed some to ...so be careful

 

[DyM]

FWIW, sounds like a bandaid on the dip. Might want to address what's causing the algea - PO4 and NO3. Work on reducing them for long term algea reduction - Are you running GFO, Biopellets?

 

[dv3]

FWIW, sounds like a bandaid on the dip. Might want to address what's causing the algea - PO4 and NO3. Work on reducing them for long term algea reduction - Are you running GFO, Biopellets?

your correct ...notice i said i have done it more than once ....lol

 

[dirtefish]

FWIW, sounds like a bandaid on the dip. Might want to address what's causing the algea - PO4 and NO3. Work on reducing them for long term algea reduction - Are you running GFO, Biopellets?

Brs bio pellets, reduced feeding, reduced lights increased wc during algae cleanings, filter sock durubg cleanings, larger skimmer running wetter, cyano vaccing as soon as its visible. Upgraded my wave makers to about 3600 gph, removed rock work blocking backwall flow, this has been my last month or so.
Oh and a new 5 stage rodi with tds in And out going from 90 to 0

Algae dust no longer forming on glass but high flow areas still getting hair algae and a few specific rocks like the one my zoas are on.

Crumby thing I still have no clue what caused it all. Tank was runninf for a year since the last batch of uglies after a mini cycle caused by moving the tank.

So if u have any ideas or help on wtf I can do next lol please lemme know
As for the zoas gonna dip em tomorrow before the lights come on.

Btw wasnt trying to sounds like a dick listing my efforts, just wanted to make sure u know root cause was being worked on.

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[dirtefish]

Also was running some of the high grade gfo from brs for about two months phosphates went to unreadable but algae persisted. I took the gfo offline when I started the pellets as directed the pellets need some phosphate to run properly.

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[DyM]

How old are your bulbs? What's your NO3 ppm reading. I had hair algea and when PO4 and NO3 were finally down is when it finally went away. I remember when I doubted changing metal halide bulbs at 9-10 months and after 13months, I had all kinds of algea. As soon as the bulbs were changed out, it went away - that was back when I first started though.

 

[dirtefish]

How old are your bulbs? What's your NO3 ppm reading. I had hair algea and when PO4 and NO3 were finally down is when it finally went away. I remember when I doubted changing metal halide bulbs at 9-10 months and after 13months, I had all kinds of algea. As soon as the bulbs were changed out, it went away - that was back when I first started though.

Bulbs are 2 sets of evo led so aged bulbs arent either
Im out of the house so dont have my test log with me. Ill test when I get home.
Before the growth really took off nitrate was just beginning to climb. During the heaviest growth it didnt even register.
Did a massive cleaning last night so should have accurate readings today since nothing is growing enough to consume it.

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[dirtefish]

Dont ya hate erasing a post with a miss click after you finish it.

Anyhow Params as follows.

Nitrate: Unreadable (apitest)
Phos: Unreadable (apitest)
Neither had color change that was noticeable, confirmed with my non colorblind wife.
Also ran the tests on the remaining sw mix from last nights wc. same result.
Starting to trust api less and want to either confirm at an lfs or upgrade tests.

Other params if needed.
CA 410 Seachem
Alk 3.2 Salifert
ph 8.14 Pinpoint
Temp 79.4 Digital
SG 1.26 Refract

 

[that0neguy1126]

I would bet your tests for Nitrate and Phosphate are off. If you algae is growing, both of those are present. It is just being taken up by the algae immediately which is why the test registers none.

 

[dirtefish]

I would bet your tests for Nitrate and Phosphate are off. If you algae is growing, both of those are present. It is just being taken up by the algae immediately which is why the test registers none.

That is what I was assuming was happening. Now that the tank has been stripped of the majority of growth I might get a decent reading will keep testing daily and watch the growth.

 

[DyM]

What about Mag? Also, I've read that Algea consumes NO3 and PO4, so there may not be a lot in the tank water, but the fact that there's algea = high. Further have read bringing up PH to 8.4 (use lime water or KalK) for a week or two and that will rid a tank of Hair Algea... good luck, be patient.

 

[dirtefish]

What about Mag? Also, I've read that Algea consumes NO3 and PO4, so there may not be a lot in the tank water, but the fact that there's algea = high. Further have read bringing up PH to 8.4 (use lime water or KalK) for a week or two and that will rid a tank of Hair Algea... good luck, be patient.

No mag test at the moment.
Dosing top off with kalk nightly as well, patience is a staple for me will wait to see what happens next.

Just wanted a double check on efforts thus far, ty for the help!

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