14biocubeGuy Posted October 18, 2014 Share Posted October 18, 2014 OK. So i recently decided to start making my own saltwater since driving 30 minutes to go get 5 gallons was just a pain. I have been buying distilled water from Kroger for my ATO ( i got through about 2-3 gallons a week). I also Mixed up a batch up saltwater using 5 gallons of distilled water and Red Sea Coral Pro Salt Mix. After a water change, I used the new saltwater mix to replace the water i had changed. Ever since then, the film on my BC14 glass has been getting worse. I used to clean the glass every 4 days, now every day. I also noticed some red hair algae forming on some rock and coral frags. I am running the coralife protein skimmer in chamber one with the bottom cut out, I have a rack in the back of chamber two. The top of the rack has 3 filters ( one blue floss, on medium floss, and one thick pad for nitrates), the middle has CHempure elite, and the bottom has Cheato with a fuge light that comes on when the main lights come off. IN chamber 3 i have an upgraded pump with the BC14 sterilizer, and the heater. My peramiters are: (red Sea Test kits) MG 1560 Ak 8 CA 450 Nitrates 0.0 Phosphates 0.04 I supplement my tank with acropower once a week (1/4 tsp) and BRS calc, alk, and mg. I feed corals once a week and broadcast feed my two clowns and shrimp every other day. I am wondering what is causing the algae to spike! Im purchasing an RO/DI from BRS and am going to start using that to mix my saltwater and add water to my ATO. I was also wondering if adding a reactor in the back of my BC14 would be a good idea or if it would even fit?! Any ideas on how to correct this problem!? Thanks! Forgot to mention that i have also read that leaving the lights off for 2 days would help with this problem. Im looking for a better solution though Link to comment
ManGups Posted October 18, 2014 Share Posted October 18, 2014 Following .. Having the same trouble where as NO3 is 0 (API) and PO4:is 0.02 (Hanna) and am feeding even less (once in 2 days). Probably need to reduced light schedule .... Link to comment
mrBananas Posted October 18, 2014 Share Posted October 18, 2014 Have you tested the water from Kroger before and after mixing salt? Link to comment
metrokat Posted October 18, 2014 Share Posted October 18, 2014 Are you sure it is hair algae and not cyano? If you want to use a reactor, what would you put in it, your levels aren't out of whack. I probably think your source water has more nutrients than your tank needs. I see you feeding schedule but don't see what you are feeding, any pictures would help, do you have a ton of acros? Link to comment
clownfitch Posted October 21, 2014 Share Posted October 21, 2014 A couple of questions for you. How often do you do water changes and what amount are you changing? Are you getting jugs of water or from a machine? Link to comment
ETucc Posted October 21, 2014 Share Posted October 21, 2014 What is your water source for your WC's? The tap? Link to comment
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