[leebca]

Large water changes are effective in removing large quantities of pollutants. It doesn't seem reasonable that you are introducing that much pollutants into the system. But if you think you are, then the large water changes will keep up with it (and cost you a lot of money and effort).

Large water changes brings in a large supply of trace elements, which is also important for the growth of algae. So you have to decide what's more important. 25% water change every 2 to 3 weeks should be adequate to keep up on any 'normal pollution.'

You have a DSB? Has the sand been disturbed these last few months? or allowed to sit undisturbed? Is the sand 'dirty" (trapped detritus) or relatively clean? What do you have in the way of a clean-up crew and invertebrates that disturb the sand?

[reseter5]

are you using tap water or ro water??? tap water is terrible.. a lot of minerals.. phosphates ..exc...

[tray262]

For reseter5 I use RO/DI

Lee : I don't believe I have a large load at all, maybe now with the hair dying off there's a little more. About the sand bed, it doesn't look too bad, I'd say the top layer needs some clean up. I have hermit, and two fighting konks (That's spelled wrong) I want to pick up one of those sand sifting goby's there's really nice.

[tray262]

Ok, Well I did another water change about 35 gals so that make about 100Gallons in the past two weeks, I think I'm going to sit back and watch for about 2 weeks and do 35gallons every two weeks. Does that sound reasonable ? Also I going to keep changing my carbon every other week also. So I'm really getting my hopes up now. I love the tank just having a hard time with the hair. I'm also hoping to get new bulbs really soon too. mine are coming up on 1 year I think in march.

[leebca]

Uh Oh! The bulbs. :slap:

I'm not a bulb expert and maybe someone else has input on this. But from what I understand, old bulbs begin to transmit a different or altered light energy. This could be encouraging the hair algae growth!? Lighting isn't a controlling factor, but it can/does have an effect on the success of the algae (hair or otherwise) that is growing.

[tray262]

Originally Posted by leebca

Uh Oh! The bulbs. :slap:

I'm not a bulb expert and maybe someone else has input on this. But from what I understand, old bulbs begin to transmit a different or altered light energy. This could be encouraging the hair algae growth!? Lighting isn't a controlling factor, but it can/does have an effect on the success of the algae (hair or otherwise) that is growing.

Yeah I've certianly know that, but they are T-5's are supposed to have a life span of over 12+ so hope that's right, Antics are supposed to be 18 months or so. SO I'm hoping to change them at the 12 month mark.