[unclejed]

Hello everyone, I recently developed some turf (Brown) algae in my 55 gal. I have never had this before. We can save some time not discussing lights and excess nutrients as I am aware of the myriad of factors that could contribute to algae. It seemed to coincide with using Oyster Feast for the Torch coral (especially) but it may be coincidental. I have since (3 days ago) changed my light scheme and gone to; actinic only on first for 1 1/2 hours then daylights come on for 9 hours and actinic for an additional 1 1/2 hours. Also, at the suggestion of LFS buddy, raised the Mag to just over 1500 ppm. The Mag has been there now for a couple of weeks or a bit longer.
Now, there is the background and where things are now. Here are some questions. Can the raised Mag affect the GSP? It seems that when I raised the Mag (slowly of course) and got to the 1500 level the GSP have "reacted" by closing up for a couple of days and when they have re-emerged they are not as "full" and many stay "in". Now, only about 2/3 to 3/4 are out at any given time where as before the colony was thick and full all the time. I have read other posts of people asking about their GSP retracting and I thought it was odd because from the day I put them in they had never retracted during the day, ever. I thought this was normal so to mine all retracted was a shock. You will see in the pic that they are o.k. but not like they were.
The other question is, if the raised Mag will help eradicate the Turf algae, how long does it take? Any other sure fire remedies you have found to get rid of Turf is appreciated.

Should have posted pic with the original thread I guess. Here it is; you can click on the pic and then click again to get a good look.

[BLKBRDTA]

The raised Magnesium levels may have affected the GSP, but the only way to be certain would be to notice a positive affect when the Mag. levels are lowered once again. As for the turf algae you can try some Chiton's, they certainly love grazing on it and are completely reef safe. I would say if it is not gone within a month, then it may not be working. Although I have heard of success from others trying the same remedy, none of which took more than a month to cure. As you know already, it shows up when bulbs shift towards the red end of the spectrum with age. Along with elevated Phosphate levels and even when the dreaded Nitrate is present. This is where PhosBan reactors come into play well. Other than that, just let the turf get big enough to scrape off in one chunk and remove it manually along with the Mag. remedy.

Thats my $0.02..

[unclejed]

Thanks for responding Tony, I use a phosphate reactor and lights are good. This stuff won't come off even when scrubbing it as hard as I can. Maybe with a steel brush. It seemed to coincide with adding Oyster Feast for LPS. I have stopped now for awhile. What about only actinic for 2-3 days or no light at all for 2-3 days?