Cheapest long term po4 and no3 removal??

[Kershaw]

ok for those of us that like to keep our fish fat. What is the cheapest way to keep phosphate and nitrates down. In addition to the skimmer. just wondering what every one is using. I am using cheato with decent results and the occasional gfo.

 

[blitz49]

Algae turf scrubber.

 

[reefwiser]

Algae scrubber vote #2.:)

 

[Joeganja]

ok for those of us that like to keep our fish fat. What is the cheapest way to keep phosphate and nitrates down. In addition to the skimmer. just wondering what every one is using. I am using cheato with decent results and the occasional gfo.

In the next few years chaeto reactor or ARID (Algae Remediation Illuminated Device) will grow chaeto inside of an led light reactor and grow it shrinking the footprint of that of an algae scrubber. But yeah algae scrubber as the cheapest method.

 

[Mike in CT]

Lanthanum Chloride/vodka.

 

[blusop]

Fuge inside your sump

 

[reefwiser]

In the next few years chaeto reactor or ARID (Algae Remediation Illuminated Device) will grow chaeto inside of an led light reactor and grow it shrinking the footprint of that of an algae scrubber. But yeah algae scrubber as the cheapest method.

Nice for those into equipment you get the same results with less money spent.

 

[Kershaw]

Thanks. What kind of space do your algae scrubbers take up?

 

[twilliard]

I feel one error always made in the reduction of Po4 and no3 is the lack of diversified algaes. Running cheato only is a fine example.
Every plant takes up different nutrients for survival.
Diversification is key and the cheapest long term results.
Sure you may have to trim those algaes back but at no cost only time.

 

[Reefing Madness]

SeaKlear for Phosphates, and Vodka for Nitrates. This is what I use and its the cheapest way out there. (If you can't run a Sump)

 

[Kershaw]

I recently added some red algae. I can't remember name. But the guy I got it from said he feeds it to tangs when he removes the excess. What is a good verity to have in fuge?

 

[Kershaw]

SeaKlear for Phosphates, and Vodka for Nitrates. This is what I use and its the cheapest way out there. (If you can't run a Sump)

I have looked at vodka dosing in the past. Isn't there some negative side affects for long term use??

 

[twilliard]

I recently added some red algae. I can't remember name. But the guy I got it from said he feeds it to tangs when he removes the excess. What is a good verity to have in fuge?

All you can get your hands on :)
I have 8 different species maybe 9

 

[Kershaw]

My cheato seems to come apart in fuge and dwindles away.

 

[zoomonster]

My cheato seems to come apart in fuge and dwindles away.

What kind of light are you using? I just use a single 100w equivalent 6500K power compact bulb 24x7 and I'm constantly either giving it or throwing it away.

 

[Kershaw]

I'm using a 75 watt equivalent led they show on melvs reef. 5100k

 

[iyad_nadi]

My cheato seems to come apart in fuge and dwindles away.

Same here i am running Led 2 flood light 18w white 7000 and blue actinic and one 10w 6500k my mangroves loves the light but cheato no

 

[blitz49]

I tried cheato and dragon's breath in the fuge, but can't seem to keep it alive. I tried ATS and it has been growing green hair algae. Cheap, easy to setup, and working for me so far.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Cheato needs to tumble in the fuge, or have very good flow. Some have to put in a power head to keep the flow good.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I'm not sure anyone has done a careful cost analysis (and it isn't easy) of organic carbon dosing vs ATS vs macroalgae. All are in the running, IMO. :)