[das04j]

I am having a bad hair algae problem and I can not figure out what's the problem. My chemistry is solid.
Nitrates- 5
nitrites - 0
ph-8.4
ca-435
alk-200

I am using ho t5 for 9 hours. I am using led moonlights that are on 24-7. I need some advice. I am getting super tried of looking at green fix every where

[unclejed]

You didn't list mag. level or phosphate level. You gave very little info. I will suggest that when you post and are asking for help or for ideas, please include all basic information. Basic information should include; all water parameters, size of tank and complete set up meaning, filter type (sump, canister etc.), lighting (what type and total output) and if you have fish only with live rock and if you keep corals. Also how long the tank has been up. More than likely phos. is up, even if you use ro/di water, phos enters the tank in a number of ways. Along with the above info, how often do you feed and are using flake foods? More info is needed.

[das04j]

as for the chemistry those are the only test kits i have. its a 38 gallon (36x18x14i believe). As i listed above i am running HO t5s for about 9.5 hours a day at 234w. i am running a canister filter (eheim). In the filter there is carbon and puraphos. Could it be that it is time to change the carbon. It has only been in the filter for about 2 weeks? I also have a 2.5 gal fuge on the back. I am keeping corals along with some reef safe inhabitants. Its been up for about 10 months. I feed probably 3 times a week. I only feed frozen mysis, brine, krill and phyto.

[unclejed]

You will need to know the phos. level. You have to see if you are getting any phos. in the tank. No, it isn't time to change the carbon I wouldn't think (follow the box suggestion) but the bags that the carbon and puraphos are in will collect detritus, so keep them clean by rinsing in aquarium water you siphon out. Also, the slower the water goes through the bags the better (that is what reactors do) so you may want to buy a valve of some sort to regulate flow through the canister, your power heads will give you the flow needed.

[das04j]

I have no phosphates. I just got them tested. i dont know what to do. Would magnesium cause algae.

[Phayes]

More than likely, you have either stray light coming into the tank causing the algae, or your bulbs need to be replaced. As bulbs age they can change spectrum, causing nuissance algae.

[jimw369]

Originally Posted by das04j

I have no phosphates. I just got them tested. i dont know what to do. Would magnesium cause algae.

I see in your profile you are a chemist and have 5 years experience in the hobby. I was kind of hoping you could explain some of this stuff.

[das04j]

well i could tell you everything about water chemistry, but i dont know anything much about the biology of algae. I like numbers where biologist enjoy theory. As for the 5 years experience, i have never encountered this problem. Normally it is the usual nitrates or phosphates. I do have a stray light that is going into my tank i will remove it tomorrow.( i have a retro fit ho t5 sys built into my canopy and that one tube just lights my refuge, i will get a light that works better for the refuge)