Neuratox
Active Member
This is just another in a long list of threads regarding hair algae; however, I think that each case is unique and I'd like to get some personalized feedback to make sure I'm doing what my tank needs rather than someone else's.
I have a 90 gallon tank, with a 30 gallon sump (between 1/2 - 2/3 capacity). I run a filter sock which I replace or rinse out every other week. Octo skimmer which I run constantly and shoot for a viscous skimmate that I remove once a week - that's about how long it take to get close to filling. I'm sorry but I've forgotten the name of the return pump that I'm using but if I recall correctly flow rate was about 500-600 gph. I've got dual maxspect gyre xf230s running on oceanic gyre cycle. My last piece of hardware are the two marine orbit pro led fixtures that I have positioned directly above the tank (~2" above water level). These run from 8am - 10.30pm at 90% White, and 100% RGB.
My tank is a mixed reef tank that has been set up for about 9-10 months and contains 3 male and 3 female anthias (I know this is discouraged, but they are doing GREAT and the dynamic is truly interesting - I'd be happy to discuss this in another thread or PM as they are my favorite to watch interact). I also have 2 frostbite clownfish, one fang tooth blenny, two blue green chromis, and 1 royal gramma. Inverts consist of 2 sandsifting starfish, green BTA, sea hare, two emerald crabs, feather duster worm, multiple hermits, and multiple snails. I noticed about an hour ago that at some point in the last 48 hours I lost my skunk shrimp, affectionately named "Creeper". All fish have been in the tank for 3 months or longer and none are showing any sign of stress or poor health aside from the loss of the shrimp.
Corals for the tank include zoas, scroll, monti, acros, shrooms, xenia, star polyp, and paly. There are more but I think that is most of them.
About 2 and a half months ago I upgraded my light going from just the basic orbit led to the marine pros. I gradually adjusted light intensity to acclimate fish and coral to enhanced light. No changes made to photoperiod. I noticed some corals bleaching and dropped it back, taking two weeks to adjust light. During this time my BTA was hiding and I was concerned that it would die. Its been out for a month now and hasn't moved since. As you can see from my embarrassing photo, the algae is out of control. The sea hare only eats for a couple of hours (~2 at most) a day and then retreats to a corner, cave, or under a rock (I've watched and no one harasses him). I've tried to help remove algae manually by plucking it off - I let it get sucked up into overflow and then empty the filter sock because theres just SOOO much and I can only pinch of a little at a time. I follow behind what I did with a tooth brush and scrub off the remainder. I'm hesitant to do too much of this at once because I know that I'm removing beneficial bacteria too. I normally wait 2-3 days in between 4"x4" sections.
By the time progress starts to be made in one area of the tank, its regrowing in another. I've reduced the food tremendously, I don't think I should reduce further - fish eat ALL food in under 1-1.5 minutes. I feed twice a day (Previously I fed 3 times a day). I've considered reducing photoperiod or intensity but I don't want the BTA to go back into hiding or to reduce light from my corals - which seem to be oddly happy except for two that got hit too hard by initial light change. I've used H2O2 once before to handle a small bout of hair algae 2 months after I started the tank. This did a number on surrounding (within 6" of site of administration) zoas and palys.
I've let my embarrassment get the best of me and I've waited too long to approach you all for advice. Any tips you can give me that you think will help I would truly appreciate. I'm doing my best to learn how to give these animals a wonderful place to live while also enjoying a slice of the reef. Thanks in advance.
Jon
I have a 90 gallon tank, with a 30 gallon sump (between 1/2 - 2/3 capacity). I run a filter sock which I replace or rinse out every other week. Octo skimmer which I run constantly and shoot for a viscous skimmate that I remove once a week - that's about how long it take to get close to filling. I'm sorry but I've forgotten the name of the return pump that I'm using but if I recall correctly flow rate was about 500-600 gph. I've got dual maxspect gyre xf230s running on oceanic gyre cycle. My last piece of hardware are the two marine orbit pro led fixtures that I have positioned directly above the tank (~2" above water level). These run from 8am - 10.30pm at 90% White, and 100% RGB.
My tank is a mixed reef tank that has been set up for about 9-10 months and contains 3 male and 3 female anthias (I know this is discouraged, but they are doing GREAT and the dynamic is truly interesting - I'd be happy to discuss this in another thread or PM as they are my favorite to watch interact). I also have 2 frostbite clownfish, one fang tooth blenny, two blue green chromis, and 1 royal gramma. Inverts consist of 2 sandsifting starfish, green BTA, sea hare, two emerald crabs, feather duster worm, multiple hermits, and multiple snails. I noticed about an hour ago that at some point in the last 48 hours I lost my skunk shrimp, affectionately named "Creeper". All fish have been in the tank for 3 months or longer and none are showing any sign of stress or poor health aside from the loss of the shrimp.
Corals for the tank include zoas, scroll, monti, acros, shrooms, xenia, star polyp, and paly. There are more but I think that is most of them.
About 2 and a half months ago I upgraded my light going from just the basic orbit led to the marine pros. I gradually adjusted light intensity to acclimate fish and coral to enhanced light. No changes made to photoperiod. I noticed some corals bleaching and dropped it back, taking two weeks to adjust light. During this time my BTA was hiding and I was concerned that it would die. Its been out for a month now and hasn't moved since. As you can see from my embarrassing photo, the algae is out of control. The sea hare only eats for a couple of hours (~2 at most) a day and then retreats to a corner, cave, or under a rock (I've watched and no one harasses him). I've tried to help remove algae manually by plucking it off - I let it get sucked up into overflow and then empty the filter sock because theres just SOOO much and I can only pinch of a little at a time. I follow behind what I did with a tooth brush and scrub off the remainder. I'm hesitant to do too much of this at once because I know that I'm removing beneficial bacteria too. I normally wait 2-3 days in between 4"x4" sections.
By the time progress starts to be made in one area of the tank, its regrowing in another. I've reduced the food tremendously, I don't think I should reduce further - fish eat ALL food in under 1-1.5 minutes. I feed twice a day (Previously I fed 3 times a day). I've considered reducing photoperiod or intensity but I don't want the BTA to go back into hiding or to reduce light from my corals - which seem to be oddly happy except for two that got hit too hard by initial light change. I've used H2O2 once before to handle a small bout of hair algae 2 months after I started the tank. This did a number on surrounding (within 6" of site of administration) zoas and palys.
I've let my embarrassment get the best of me and I've waited too long to approach you all for advice. Any tips you can give me that you think will help I would truly appreciate. I'm doing my best to learn how to give these animals a wonderful place to live while also enjoying a slice of the reef. Thanks in advance.
Jon
