ive noticed what looks like dino covering some of my Macro Algae.
parameters:
DALK 5.2
pH 8.0
PHOS 0.0
Ca 446
Mg 1242
AMMO 0.0
Nitrate12
My lfs told me to add Carbon and try and reduce nitrates, as well as feed more to produce more Phos.
life stock is one Clown fish, a peppermint shrimp, a few hermits and snails, some macros, a leather and elegance coral.
pics of dino? attached
Welcome to Reef2Reef!
#WelcometoR2R
If you posted a picture, it did not come through, but may be helpful
First, what are you using for testing kits?
When I see both Alk and Calc low, it makes me think that your salinity is low. If your salinity is low, all other parameters will be low too. I would definitely suggest that you calibrate your salinity tester using a DIY standard solution made easily from table salt. We've seen issues with calibration fluids that are purchased, so making your own is preferable:
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/reef-aquarium-salinity-diy-calibration-standards.956/
Many here at R2R do not advise testing magnesium at all because it's notoriously difficult to test accurately at home. This thread may help with that:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/just-say-no-to-magnesium-testing-rmm-is-born.1017528/
If your N&P numbers are accurate, I would try to increase phosphate by feeding more, feeding something like Reef Roids that is high in phosphate, or by dosing phosphate.
I do not agree with the advice to lower your nitrate, it's already quite low.
Here's Randy Holmes-Farley's guidelines for nutrient levels:
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/randy’s-thoughts-on-nutrient-target-ranges.1087/
From the above thread:
"
4. What targets seem reasonable? Of course, that depends on all the other factors at play, such as types of corals, availability of ammonia, particulate foods, etc. However, for a mature mixed reef, this would be how I personally would run it:
- Let nitrate float between 5 ppm and 50 ppm. I’d use gentle export in this range, such as growing macroalgae.
- Above 50 ppm, I’d begin to focus more on reducing it, by organic carbon dosing, turf or macroalgae, etc.
- Below 5 ppm, I’d begin to dose ammonia or feed more. The target level might drop lower if dosing ammonia, just like the heavy in/heavy out scenario where nitrate may not be as needed.
- Let phosphate float between about 0.06 ppm and 0.3 ppm. This range is higher than I’ve recommended in the past. I’d use gentle export in this range, such as growing macroalgae.
- Above about 0.3 ppm, I’d begin to focus more on reducing it, by turf or macroalgae, or a binder such as GFO or lanthanum (has its own risks to tangs). If a binder: GO SLOW. Turf and macroalgae will typically be slow enough.
- Below 0.06 ppm, I’d begin to dose sodium phosphate or feed more to get the level up."
Generally, when a tank is very new you often see an outbreak of diatoms, which feed on silicates in the water. Once those silicates are depleted, the diatoms typical die out.
But, you could have dinoflagellate algae, which is a tougher pest to deal with. Having either nitrate or phosphate or both "bottomed out" to zero is often thought to invite dinos, which is why I'd get the phosphate up and I wouldn't try to lower nitrate further.
I hope this helps and good luck!
