Algae Problem

[Beeba]

Today I did a 20 gallon water change and cleaned the cyano off the sand and rock. My hubby bought me a new bucket of salt so I was prepared to do a decent sized water change. I mixed up the first 5 gallon bucket of salt water and for the heck of it I tested the phosphates before putting it in the tank. It was the darkest blue on the Sailafert test scale. I was puzzled and had to sit down for a few to think. I couldn't imagine the IO salt being the problem now since they came from different stores. I checked my tap water again. 0 phosphates. I then decided to use a different bottle of dechlorinator that I use for my freshwater tank. I tested the water and it was 0. I then added the salt and completed the mix. The reading was again 0. Interesting.... I finished my water change by using the older bottle of dechlorinator and then I filled my bucket with tap water and added the new bottle of dechlorinator and guess what... YOU GUESSED IT... the phosphate level was the higest on the test scale. The dechlorinator that I had was a bottle that the LFS sells. They have their own label on it so I assumed they pour it out of a larger bottle. Not sure what the brand is but I am so glad I found the problem and I don't have to throw out a $22 bag of salt.

 

[Curtswearing]

I was puzzled and had to sit down for a few to think

Thinking is ALWAYS good. I guess you are now an honorary Sherlock Holmes. No wonder your LFS has detectable phosphates---they are using the same product.

 

[NaH2O]

Good work Beeba!

 

[Beeba]

This has turned out to be one big chemistry set that my hubby got me for Christmas. But boy am I having fun!!!

Now I'm even more mad that the LFS didn't offer to do more to help me. Living in a small town really makes it hard to just do business elsewhere.

My phosphate level has come down slightly with the 20 gallon water change but it is still too high. I think it is between a 1 and 2. I also added three Maxi Jet 1200 powerheads to help keep the cyano from being able to rest in one place.

I really appreciate all the help and info on this forum. It is by far the best I've found online. I wish I could find one with people from Ohio, Kentucky, WV area but the one I found is pretty boring and not much help. I enjoy this one but the option of going to any events is pretty much out.

 

[NaH2O]

Beeba, if the LFS you go to is the only one in the area for you, then you could make it work. Just be ready by educating yourself before you go, and if you don't trust what they are saying, then come back to the board and post a question.

I thought Ohio had a huge frag swap every year....I'll check on it for you. Where abouts are you?

 

[Beeba]

I'm in southern part of Ohio but could easily travel to Columbus, Dayton, or Cincinnati. I would be very greatful if you could let me know.

The LFS is the only one that we have. The second closest shop is about 40 miles away and it is owned by the same person. I'm sure if I could meet more people in my area that they could give me ideas on where to shop.

 

[NaH2O]

Beeba, don't forget to check out the sponsors page - I'm sure you will find quite a number that will ship. I'll see if I can track down a reefing club in your area and I'll PM it to you. If anything, I hope it will provide a few contacts.

 

[Beeba]

I really appreciate you taking the time to do that. I have done some research but maybe I'm looking in the wrong place.

 

[Beeba]

One week after discovering where my phosphate problem was coming from and doing a 20% water change. What a big difference.

After:

Before:

Thanks to everyone for all the help!!! (except my LFS )

 

[Scooterman]

great news, glad to here you have it under control.

 

[Beeba]

I'm curious.... does anyone think that the phosphate problem could have caused the death of my new finger leather? It just seemed to shrink back and die soon after being put in my tank.

 

[SliceofReef]

I live in Northwest Ohio but lived in Dayton for about 6 years. I shopped at a very nice small store run out of the back of a guys house mostly. Great guy and very helpful when I was getting started. He is only opened for a few hours weekdays in the evenings and is now in the start af a major move to a new location. Here's the address and phone number.

Marine Solutions
7777 Cliffview Ct.
Centerville, Ohio 45459

(937) 433-1663

Joe Reno owner

Hope this helps,
Jeff

 

[Beeba]

Thanks for the info. I used to live in Hillsboro and knew a guy named Joe Reno who sold life insurance. I know he quit the life insurance thing but not sure what he did after that. It would be funny if it was the same guy. Do you know if his wife is an accountant?

I will definitely give him a call. Thanks.

 

[SliceofReef]

This guy is a some kind of Engineer by day, don't know what his wife does. Real nice people.

It is a small world...who knows?

Jeff