GHA - Losing the battle

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vetteguy53081

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I have done 3 large water changes where I have scrubbed the rock with a tooth Brush, siphoned sand and scrubbed back glass of build up as well.
I have water mixing now to do another one tonight or tomorrow as well.
Are all CUC you listed compatible with Pink Goby?

The tank is on the opposite side of the room from all windows. I do not “think” it is getting any direct sunlight at all, but I do plan on monitoring this over the next couple of days since I have never paid close attention to it.
With goby- yes
Im not concerned with sun but UV from sun which will promote algae in a hurry
 

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I would start all over blaaa plaaa hahahaha just kidding. Make sure the tap off water is silicate and phaphate free. Drop in a few tuxedo urchins after pulling off as much as you can. I only use Walmart distilled water. Check this out https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/will-tuxedo-urchin-eat-green-hair-algae.523308/
Great link for help

It's like mowing your lawn/grass at your property. you have to keep in top of otherwise it will grow out

Try removing in stages before each MANUAL water change/filter cleaning
Start on one area to remove as much as possible, then in a week start on 2nd area again before water change/filter clean

As mentioned by others... once gha gets too long in growth.. nothing, like your urchin will eat it, no snails or crabs.

You really have to persevere with this to keep on top.
I struggled with this and I still get odd spots... but what my urchin can't eat he picks it's up for me (pictures/video of it pooping)

It may take several weeks but it will be worth it, you will enjoy your aquarium for years after this small cleanup
 

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I would start all over blaaa plaaa hahahaha just kidding. Make sure the tap off water is silicate and phaphate free. Drop in a few tuxedo urchins after pulling off as much as you can. I only use Walmart distilled water. Check this out https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/will-tuxedo-urchin-eat-green-hair-algae.523308/
I am running full RODI system and maintain the filters in this religiously. Keep bins clean etc. 0TDS and chlorine tests show zero (I do the about twice a year to make sure nothing is creeping up).
 
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Could be a problem with where my tank is for sure.
Or possibly lighting , gha thrives on light, if you can reduce light intensity or maybe reduced hours, this will slow the growth :)

As I suggested before about manual removal is best

It's only advice/ suggestion :)
 

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Increase you phosphates to above 0.05 ppm and nitrates above 5 ppm this on its own should reduce some algae, from there just introduce more predators.
Your biggest problem right now is the nutrient limitation environment
 
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Sickliest looking GHA I have ever seen. Can’t understand how something this sickly looking is thriving. Are the lights playing tricks on me? Would like see this under the microscope.
It’s mostly chrysophytes. Looks like bleached GHA for the most part.
 

vetteguy53081

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Could be a problem with where my tank is for sure.
It is my suspect especially when you get a mix like this. get a sheet of black construction paper and place where the sun/uv hits tank and place it there. You will quickly see a reduction
 
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You might also consider an urchin. I’ve never had one, but I hear they have a huge appetite for algae, including gha. The blue tuxedo urchin might be a good choice. They also eat coraline algae, which is why I’ve never tried them. But it might be worth the sacrifice in your case.
 
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You might also consider an urchin. I’ve never had one, but I hear they have a huge appetite for algae, including gha. The blue tuxedo urchin might be a good choice. They also eat coraline algae, which is why I’ve never tried them. But it might be worth the sacrifice in your case.
I have a tuxedo urchin in the tank. I don’t think he can keep up with what’s in the tank though unfortunately
 
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brandon429

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all the actions here are great advice

the key changeup is: run them in the clean condition

don't run them as the tank sits now, for the win, copy that thread. there are several jobs like yours
 

brandon429

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pay close attention to the thread linked inside titled: about to give up/gha

and then it's fixed in 24 hours and still fixed today.

notice what we do to the sand, never skip that part.
 
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pay close attention to the thread linked inside titled: about to give up/gha

and then it's fixed in 24 hours and still fixed today.

notice what we do to the sand, never skip that part.
Just read through entire “Algae Identification” thread. As I’m sitting here reading I looked over to my wife “babe, I’m about to perform surgery on my tank”. Massive look of confusion, but after reading all 7 pages of that one thread I’m hooked. I have to give this a shot.
Now excuse me while I move on to “about to give up/GHA”
 
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My initial thoughts:

1. I think I want to start with new sand. For 2 reasons. First I don’t think my bed is deep enough or at least I would like it to be a little deeper. Second I can buy it and have it pre-rinsed ahead of the full rip.
2. I am nervous about removing live stock. My goby jumps every time I walk by the tank too quickly and the clowns go nuts anytime I put a new in their view (yes even outside of the water). Also my shrimp have lived their entire life inside of one of the rock structures. Not sure why but they always sit at the edge of the structure all day and never come out.
So any suggestions / tips for those would be greatly appreciated!
 
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