Slow or no chaeto growth, algae issues, Phosphate .2, Nitrate 5-10

[scvbrent]

Hoping someone here might be able to help me spot something I'm doing incorrectly! Chaeto doesn't seem to be growing, phosphate and nitrates a little higher than I'd like, and corals seeming  not growing at all. 

 

IM Nuvo 10

Running for about 8 months

1 clownfish, 1 cleaner shrimp

Barebottom - no sandbed

1st Chamber: Filter floss, 2 Chemo-Pure Blue nano packets (changed every 2-3 weeks)

2nd Chamber: Chaeto in InTank Fugue, IM ChaetoMax light (10 hrs a day, opposite tank light)

Feeding: Strained Frozen Brine/Mysis Shrimp once a day (very small portion, maybe 1/3 of a cube)

Water Change: 4-5 gallons every week

AI Prime HD

Phosphates - 0.2

Nitrates - 5-10

 

[Clown79]

I have the same issue.

 

I have tried twice now in my 25g in my media basket and even in tank in a diy basket.

 

I tried 2 different lights 

 

Mine just shrank to nothing and the last batch turned to mush. 

 

 

[seabass]

In addition to nitrate and phosphate, macroalgae can also benefit from chelated iron and iodide (as well as other trace elements and B vitamins; but would I hesitate to randomly dose these).  It's possible that your tank has some deficiencies there.  Also, you might just consider extending the refugium light cycle.

[mcarroll]

On 8/26/2018 at 5:15 PM, scvbrent said:

Hoping someone here might be able to help me spot something I'm doing incorrectly! Chaeto doesn't seem to be growing, phosphate and nitrates a little higher than I'd like, and corals seeming  not growing at all. 

 

IM Nuvo 10

Running for about 8 months

1 clownfish, 1 cleaner shrimp

Barebottom - no sandbed

1st Chamber: Filter floss, 2 Chemo-Pure Blue nano packets (changed every 2-3 weeks)

2nd Chamber: Chaeto in InTank Fugue, IM ChaetoMax light (10 hrs a day, opposite tank light)

Feeding: Strained Frozen Brine/Mysis Shrimp once a day (very small portion, maybe 1/3 of a cube)

Water Change: 4-5 gallons every week

AI Prime HD

Phosphates - 0.2

Nitrates - 5-10

 

 

Can you get some lux or PAR readings so we have a better idea of the intensity the tank is receiving from each light?  

(lux meter apps are free, but a handheld meter is <$20....use this at minimum vs using no meter)

 

What's the tank's salinity?   Temperature?

 

Can you get your LFS to double-check your test results?

 

Can you post a pic so we can see the tank and how it's set up?

 

I assume you're using one of the mainstream salts for your water changes?

 

Can you use a multimeter and check for stray voltage?