Green Algae On Sand

Ugh....ok...this is getting annoying...i have some green algae growing on my sand and i dont know why...all my levels are fine and the bulbs arent brand new lol....anyone know of a phosphate buffer that doesnt need a filter to be put into?

Edit: Move to Algae?

 

you can buy that sponge filter that has a phosphate absorption compound in it. Also get a nitrate sponge.

 

Try phosphate filter pad, it removes around 400mg of phosphate.

 

But will this be ok with the skimmer on?...I dont know why it wouldnt...but somewhere i read about that...hmmm

 

I tired this stuff
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=MN3311
and it said it was okay for use with SW but when I used it my Cal/Alk where unstable. It was a blended zeo product and I think it was doing more than it was suppose to.

 

BTW the phosphate remover shouldn't do much for that algae on the sand. If it is just the sand. I think I read that this is phosphate bonded to the surface of the argonite. It won't show up on phosphate test and since it not free phosphate its not in the water column. There for it won't make it to the media. Might help you from laying down more phosphate though.

 

hmm...well i have come to the conclusion that mixing the sand is not helping...because when i do this the algae simply is put into the water column to fall down on top of the sand again...should i just put some new sand over it?

 

Try purchasing a phosphate reactor! They are reasonably priced as well. I'm thinking of doing the same. The refugium I have isn't doing that good at fulfilling my needs at reducing my phosphate/microalgae levels.

 

well if what covey said about the phosphate bonding to the sand...then i dont think any thing that would limit phosphate would help that much...hmm but i guess it wouldnt hurt either

 

I use the PURA pads that covey said to use and it works great.