As you may be aware, I have restarted my tank subsequent to a copper issue and I am now hopefully on the correct path . It seems that I am experiencing the ugly stage, which is advancing more quickly than expected. I am thinking of building an algae scrubber, but I am uncertain about the best time to add it to my tank. Should I postpone the introduction of the algae scrubber until my tank's ecosystem becomes more stable?
When is the right time to add an algae scrubber?
- Thread starter mac96
- Start date
Based on my understanding, the algae scrubber should help maintain low phosphate levels. Why do you consider it pain in the ass?
tribbitt
Supporting Member
Both Rich Ross from reef beef and Charles Delbeek from the academy (and who wrote the book with Julian Sprung) don’t think that high phosphate levels are necessarily bad
Algae scrubbers need maintenance
And if you’re really into low phosphates, lanthanum chloride is another option
It’s not about it being bad i just don’t want too much algae buildup in my tank
I have Phosphate E but I still feel some type of way about chemicals
I only have 5 Dove snail ima get more but I was afraid I won’t have enough algae for them to eat
RandyC
Supporting Member
I have always started a fuge with Chaeto the second I have livestock. It helps me keep the uglies to a minimum. But I'm kind of the opposite opinion of people on this. If nitrates and phosphates get too low, I'd prefer to dose nitrates and phosphates to where I want the levels to be and not just throw more food in and hope nitrates or phosphates goes to where I want.
And yes algae scrubbers need maintenance. I hate them, especially ones in cylindrical reactors. PITA to clean.
And yes algae scrubbers need maintenance. I hate them, especially ones in cylindrical reactors. PITA to clean.
Keeping phosphate "low" does not prevent algae. I wouldn't worry about phosphate until you think you actually have a problem. What is it now?
Alge scrubbers are a PITA, and in your case it sounds like a solution to a problem you don't even have. It's also probably not even a solution to that problem, in reality.
I understand your point and I was not aware of that, but I am learning. Thank you for the info.
The algae scrubber may help reduce ugly phase/unwanted algaes, but it's not going to get rid of them completely, you definitely need more CUC/herbivores than you currently have to help.
If you think they will starve, which I don't think they will since they haven't cleared the ugly stage you say you're currently experiencing, you can always add a sheet of Nori or algae pellets or something.
At the time I got the snails, the ugly stage hadn't started yet. But now I need more clean up crew
it’s seems like getting clean up crew is the best solution from what everyone is saying
Kensington Reefer
Supporting Member
Algae....
What fish do you have?
How big is your tank?
What fish do you have?
How big is your tank?
90 gallon
I have scopes tang, yellow tang, 2 clown fish, and wrasse
Kensington Reefer
Supporting Member
The 2 tangs are “pickers”
The wrasse might help with other issues but not algae.
The clownfish are useless for any kind of pest management
I recommend you get an algae blenny, Salarias fasciatus, and a Ctenochaetus tang
These fish are “scrapers” they eat different species of algae than the “pickers”
Royal urchins (Mespilia globulus) are very beneficial too
Snails move at a snail’s pace!
I would consider rehoming one of the Zebrasoma tangs and try an Acanthurus tang.
All that said, keep less fish longer and your 90 is very limiting on fish species
The wrasse might help with other issues but not algae.
The clownfish are useless for any kind of pest management
I recommend you get an algae blenny, Salarias fasciatus, and a Ctenochaetus tang
These fish are “scrapers” they eat different species of algae than the “pickers”
Royal urchins (Mespilia globulus) are very beneficial too
Snails move at a snail’s pace!
I would consider rehoming one of the Zebrasoma tangs and try an Acanthurus tang.
All that said, keep less fish longer and your 90 is very limiting on fish species
Kensington Reefer
Supporting Member
I should point out that all fishes introduced into your tank should be LESS than 3”
If you do it right, they grow
Faster than you might think
If you do it right, they grow
Faster than you might think
Alexander1312
Supporting Member
I am not often in agreement with the majority here, but to answer your question about the best time to start: never.
Low nutrients do not prevent you from having algae. The scrubber takes out phosphates from the water column, but a ton of other good stuff, i.e., major and minor elements too which your corals will not have as a result.
If there is one concept which I learned not too long ago, is that every tool in reefing has a downside. And it comes down to being fully aware of it and weighing the pros and cons. We are often too quick in recommending something only because it works well - me included - and ignoring or not knowing the price this comes with it. Algae scrubber are a good example.
If tangs or rabbitfish/foxface are not an option, large clean up crew should fit into most tanks - large urchins or turbo snails. Not the small stuff. They will knock stuff over though or test your glueing skills. It made my glueing skills stronger.
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