Starving out Algae

[RaymondL]

If I lower Nitrates and Phosphates to very low values, would this eventually 'kill' off the algae in the tank? Ie. Green Hair Algae as an example.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

If I lower Nitrates and Phosphates to very low values, would this eventually 'kill' off the algae in the tank? Ie. Green Hair Algae as an example.

A healthy, successful tank will never be algae free. The best you can hope for is a good balance of algaeavores and water chemistry.

Also, running an ULNS (ultra low nutrient system) often leads to other organisms taking over... algae is arguably more desirable than dinos.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

*and if you plan to keep coral, you'll likely starve them.

 

[Dan_P]

If I lower Nitrates and Phosphates to very low values, would this eventually 'kill' off the algae in the tank? Ie. Green Hair Algae as an example.

Nearly impossible to manage algae growth with nutrient depletion. A likely outcome is the shift from green algae to golden brown algae and probably slimy growth.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

The idea implies that you will feed your fish less, personally I don't agree with this approach, there are other ways to beat algae.