Macroalgae keeps dying off!

vtec si · 11-02-2001, 07:07 PM

I have a 180 gallon reef with two 40 gallon sumps which I made one into a refugium. The system has been up for more than a year and the refugium more than six months. I started stocking coarls about four months ago. Now this last week I have notice that my maco algae is dying off and now I have a faint trace of red cyno bloom on my sand bed!? I keep the refugium lights on 24/7! All my water prameters check out! So what could be going on here! Yes all water changes are done with RO water.
Thanks for any help,

VTEC SI

afishybusiness · 11-04-2001, 11:45 AM

Maybe your water parameters are too good. If they run out of phophate and nitrate then they will start to decline. I would personally recommend doing a reverse light cycle if it where mine. The lighting MAY be an issue. I have also seen that you should prune your macro for optimal growth. Maybe that would yield results.

Randy Holmes-Farley · 11-05-2001, 03:49 PM

Are there fish in the tank that you feed (providing the nitrogen and phosphorus mentioned above)? What kind of macros? Ever try dosing iron or iodide? Algae consume both of these.

I can't see why to light 24/7. It certainly isn't natural. Maybe it has some prevention of reproduction in some macros (maybe) but maybe those you have simply can't live under continuous lighting permanently. I light mine for about 12-18 h in a mostly reverse cycle.

11-02-2001, 07:07 PM	#1
vtec si Governor Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Denver co, USA Posts: 1,017	Macroalgae keeps dying off! I have a 180 gallon reef with two 40 gallon sumps which I made one into a refugium. The system has been up for more than a year and the refugium more than six months. I started stocking coarls about four months ago. Now this last week I have notice that my maco algae is dying off and now I have a faint trace of red cyno bloom on my sand bed!? I keep the refugium lights on 24/7! All my water prameters check out! So what could be going on here! Yes all water changes are done with RO water. Thanks for any help, VTEC SI

11-04-2001, 11:45 AM	#2
afishybusiness Citizen Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Louisville, KY USA Posts: 215	Maybe your water parameters are too good. If they run out of phophate and nitrate then they will start to decline. I would personally recommend doing a reverse light cycle if it where mine. The lighting MAY be an issue. I have also seen that you should prune your macro for optimal growth. Maybe that would yield results. __________________ Heck is where people go that don't believe in Gosh.

11-05-2001, 03:49 PM	#3
Randy Holmes-Farley Tenant Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Arlington, MA, USA Posts: 65	Are there fish in the tank that you feed (providing the nitrogen and phosphorus mentioned above)? What kind of macros? Ever try dosing iron or iodide? Algae consume both of these. I can't see why to light 24/7. It certainly isn't natural. Maybe it has some prevention of reproduction in some macros (maybe) but maybe those you have simply can't live under continuous lighting permanently. I light mine for about 12-18 h in a mostly reverse cycle. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley

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