Mobile Bay Reef Keepers

My tank has been experiencing serious algae problems. My nitrates are at non-detectable levels though. I do have a very productive rufugium. Josh tested my RO water about a month ago and it was in really bad shape. I think the problem is just phosphates. Oh ya, I haven't done a water change in about 6 months either.

I just replaced all my filters on my RO system & added a DI filter last night. Kevin & Amy pointed me to http://www.airwaterice.com, thanks guys, I saved a bundle on the stuff!

I'm ready to fix this algae problem now. I have about 110g of total water. I can change about 40g at a time without exposing my corals & rock to air. I'm thinking I'll make a 35% water change & vacuum out as much algae as possible this weekend. Then I'll start running ferric hydroxide heavily too.

My 250W MH runs about 12 hours and my 4 VHOs run 13 hours. I plan to cut the lighting down too, but how much is safe? If I cut 25% of lighting cycle out will that affect my corals too much?

What next? Should I continue the 35% water changes for a while to make sure I get the phosphates out? I was thinking of doing 1 each weekend for 3 weeks.

Can't you just run some iron rust stuff, that stuff we all ordered? phosphate test? You shouldn't need to change out all your water to correct a phosphate problem. I have a phosphate test kit if you need it.

I'll borrow that test kit from you Josh! I'll come over this weekend and bring that coral to you also. Thanks!

Now that I have REALLY GOOD WATER, I want to make sure I get all the phosphate out. I haven't run the ferric hydroxide yet because my water has been so bad. I didn't want to waste it on a losing battle. Besides, after 6 months, I need to replinish some minerals too.