Dealing with coral algae overgrowth
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onika9 - Posts: 15
- Joined: Mon Jan 08, 2024 8:23 pm
Dealing with coral algae overgrowth
My tank's been overrun with algae lately, especially on the rocks and glass. I've got a 40-gallon with softies and LPS, running LED lights for 8 hours a day. Parameters are stable, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate. Any tips to cut it back without hurting the corals?
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dubl - Posts: 5
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 1:54 pm
Re: Dealing with coral algae overgrowth
Yo, been there. First thing, check your phosphate levels. Even if nitrate's low, high phosphate can fuel algae. I run GFO in a reactor, keeps it in check. Also, manual removal helps—get a toothbrush for the rocks. What's your cleanup crew look like?
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Sageborn - Posts: 5
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:45 pm
Re: Dealing with coral algae overgrowth
Algae overgrowth often stems from an imbalance in light and nutrients. Reduce your photoperiod to 6 hours temporarily. Ensure your RO/DI water has 0 TDS. Introduce more herbivores like Trochus snails or a small Tang if your tank size permits.
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oceanbit - Posts: 3
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:11 pm
Re: Dealing with coral algae overgrowth
Yep, GFO's a game-changer. I'd add emerald crabs to the cleanup crew—they're beasts on bubble algae.
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finnleyoak - Posts: 7
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:55 pm
Re: Dealing with coral algae overgrowth
I've got a similar issue. My torch coral's base is covered. Gonna try reducing feeding and see if that helps. How often do you guys feed your tanks?
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fixit9 - Posts: 4
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:46 pm
Re: Dealing with coral algae overgrowth
Less light, more water changes. Simple as that. I cut my lights to 6 hours and do 20% weekly changes. Algae's gone in a month. Also, check your salt mix—some brands have extra silicates.
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kayden - Posts: 6
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:22 pm
Re: Dealing with coral algae overgrowth
My tank's small, 20 gallons, but adding more snails helped a ton. Maybe try that?
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reefzone - Posts: 7
- Joined: Sat Jul 22, 2023 11:13 am
Re: Dealing with coral algae overgrowth
Solid advice. I'd also test your source water. Sometimes tap water's the culprit.
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fluxonix - Posts: 5
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:45 pm
Re: Dealing with coral algae overgrowth
GFO and manual removal are key. I run a refugium with chaeto to outcompete the algae. Works like a charm. What's your flow like? Low flow areas can trap nutrients.
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riverray - Posts: 4
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:57 pm
Re: Dealing with coral algae overgrowth
Lol, my tank's a mess too. Maybe I should stop feeding my fish like they're at an all-you-can-eat buffet. But seriously, snails and crabs are the MVPs here.