I have a 125g reef tank that had a serious problem with nuisance algae. Turf, hair and bubble algae were the latest problems. Much of the advice suggests lowering nutrients to combat the algae. Just prior to making the changes below, my nitrates were at 0 and phosphates were at 0.04, per Red Sea test kits.
Because I was negligent in dealing with the algae early, I had to admit defeat on several of the large pieces of rock as they were thickly coated with the algae and only way to get ahead would be with physical removal. I had extra rock so I removed the ugly algae rock and replaced it with clean, dry rock.
So, given that all other things remained equal, here's my question: With the removal of the vast majority of the nuisance algae, shouldn't my nutrients spike? Stated another way, if lowering nutrients is the key to starving out algae, shouldn't the elimination of the algae mean that fewer nutrients are consumed resulting in more in the water?
I understand there are other factors, including the removal of biome in favor of sterile surfaces, or the possibility of triggering another cycle, but shouldn't I see some difference, especially in the short term?
Thoughts and comments appreciated.
Jim
Because I was negligent in dealing with the algae early, I had to admit defeat on several of the large pieces of rock as they were thickly coated with the algae and only way to get ahead would be with physical removal. I had extra rock so I removed the ugly algae rock and replaced it with clean, dry rock.
So, given that all other things remained equal, here's my question: With the removal of the vast majority of the nuisance algae, shouldn't my nutrients spike? Stated another way, if lowering nutrients is the key to starving out algae, shouldn't the elimination of the algae mean that fewer nutrients are consumed resulting in more in the water?
I understand there are other factors, including the removal of biome in favor of sterile surfaces, or the possibility of triggering another cycle, but shouldn't I see some difference, especially in the short term?
Thoughts and comments appreciated.
Jim