Some history on the system first....Tank is about a year old, but more like three. It started as a 55, than I down sized to a 20 long for a move. As soon as I was done w/ the move I bought a 40B and that's as it is now. I have most the same sand and LR adding some here and there. Since I moved my hippo to a bigger home I have had all sorts of algae, so here it is.
And some up close of the recent algae problems
I started using the MB7 6 days ago at half the recommended dose for my water volume. I have also been dosing BRS 2 part alk and am keeping track of that. 8.2 at the moment, which is higher than I have been able to keep it lately.
My nitrates have gone up, which I suspect is because the nitrates are being freed up by manual removal and dosing the MB7. Phosphates are the same zero.
A couple questions....
First if we are dosing bacteria to and it needs to consume carbon to consume phosphates & nitrates, than on an established system why are people waiting 2 weeks to dose the vodka (the carbon source)?
Second how do I raise the PH, because it is at a low of 7.6?
First if we are dosing bacteria to and it needs to consume carbon to consume phosphates & nitrates, than on an established system why are people waiting 2 weeks to dose the vodka (the carbon source)?
Second how do I raise the PH, because it is at a low of 7.6?
There are plenty of sources of carbon currently in your tank for the MB7 (bacteria) to use. You need to get the population of bacteria up tot he point that your system can handle a much more efficiant carbon source such as Vodka, vinger, sugar, bio-fuel, ect. If you dont get the added bacteria (MB7) up to enough of a population, bad bacterias can outcompete and cause cyno blooms and other nasty stuff.
It wouldnt hurt to monitor your Mag, and keep that up with Kent Tech-M Magnesium. Not only will a stable mag help keeping Alk, Calc and PH right, it could help with some of the algea issues you are experiancing.
---------- Post added at 10:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:35 PM ----------
Oh- Almost forgot-
That is going to be a really nice tank, once you get it under control!!!
It wouldnt hurt to monitor your Mag, and keep that up with Kent Tech-M Magnesium. Not only will a stable mag help keeping Alk, Calc and PH right, it could help with some of the algea issues you are experiancing.
---------- Post added at 10:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:35 PM ----------
Oh- Almost forgot-
That is going to be a really nice tank, once you get it under control!!!
Thank you, it was really nice and the corals still look good.
I didn't realize there was already a enough carbon in the system at the moment...knowing that the rest makes sense. Did a 10% WC today (part of weekly maintenance), and tested everything, Mag was at 1300. It is usually about there. Alk Issues have been due to an increased sps load.
Ever thought of getting a turbo snail, or some astrea* snails? I know you still need to be proactive rather than reactive but it cant hurt to have something eat that, ultimately leaving it up to the skimmer to pull it out.
Ever thought of getting a turbo snail, or some astrea* snails? I know you still need to be proactive rather than reactive but it cant hurt to have something eat that, ultimately leaving it up to the skimmer to pull it out.
Hippo tang was doing a much better job than I knew obviously. Thinking sea hare, I have more than enough tanks for it to live happy and weel fed. Not that my tanks are covered in this stuff, but w/ 5 systems I should be good
When I started reefing i had a problem with Algae that was worse than that, the hare i used wiped out my 90 gal in 3 days. I would recommend not keeping it long term but that's up to you. they eat such unbelievable amounts.
So today is day 9 using the MB7, and I am pleased so far. The water is defiantly more clear than it was, and my skimmer is just skimming away. The hair algae is growing fast as ever, but I am hopeful that will slow down soon. I'm considering using it to start off the stock tank once that is all ready for water.
I'm considering using it to start off the stock tank once that is all ready for water.
Using the water, live rock,or starting a new system on just MB7?
I have changed entire systems with no cycle using parts of the old system. It can be done, if done right, with minimal mini cycle.
The PO4 reduction qualities of the pro-biotic approach happens much later than the carbon cycle part. When it comes to algea, be VERY patient.
Hope someone will chime in on the n03 vs. po4 variables and how they are effected in the pro biotic approaches. I could type my experiances, but they may be far from true and i know there are members on here much more experianced that can lead you better than I can.
MB7 and Probiotic Reefing
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by TanksEveryWhere
