Time to start over :o(

I hear you about the heavy metals, precisely what do you do to "deal" with the hair algae? That's been my biggest problem from day one

 

I'm using a triple deck tray filter provided by Marine Land Tanks along with all the live rock 60+ lbs, GFO in a bubbler box, and an oversize protein skimmer. )

 

I would acid wash all the rock, No need to buy more rock

 

HMMmmm. Never heard of using acid, wouldn't that breakdown the coral too?

 

It sounds like your filtration is adequate. How heavily stocked with fish?

 

At this point probably more than I should but I was talked into some because I was told they would eat the air algae. I plan to reduce a few during cleanup

 

Thinking long term, reducing fish load and feeding should help. I've found hair algae needs to be physically removed. Also urchins eat it up as do emerald crabs. You may also consider gfo in a reactor. Another tool I've been using lately is an electric toothbrush. Phillips makes one that is water tight. You can mow down a whole tank in an hour then just follow up weekly. I don't use a filter sock right now, but that would help catch the big stuff.

 

Well, I've had 3 emerald crabs and they had no effect on my hair (other than my pulling mine out) I have a GFO running and use a toothbrush on the end of a plastic tube for scraping the hair off. I've been fighting this so long I've worn out 2 tooth brushes There has got to be something else missing in this formula That's why I feel I must nuke the system, cut my losses and start over but I don't want to make the same mistakes again.

 

Urchin and Phosban.

 

I hear where you are coming from. In the end you probably know what's best. Are you thinking of eradicating the hair algae or just managing it.

Edit: better than whiteout