refugium doesnt seem to be helping

is it best to cut back the macro algue out of the water?or is it ok to cut it back as it is?thing is when i have given it a trim while its been in the water(removed leaves ect)the stem of the plant seemed to release the plants chlorophyll(thought that might not be helping me)any ideas.thanks

 

There's ur nitrate problem....crushed coral and gravel are not ideal substrate and will trap nitrates, amongst other stuff....

 

Off topic, but I'm also Kevin and I am also from Tallahassee.

 

thanks for the reply,hows best to go about getting rid of the crushed coral and gravel,and having live sand in there without mucking up my tank?or do you think over a period of time take small amounts out?

 

Kevin is absolutely right. The best way to do it is remove your substrate a little at a time.If you have enough LR there should be enough bacteria to sustain the tank as long as you are not overstocked.I would not replace with live sand as you cannot rinse it first and it will cause alot of cloudiness. I would purchase regular dry sand and add a small ammount at a time after rinsing/drying it well.Good luck!!

 

thanks for that i will give it a try in the next couple of days.

 

Also off topic....u must be awesome....lol...u should come check out my system sometime