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Mike 1911A1
04/18/2006, 08:16 PM
I have a sump that came with bio-balls. I have taken the bio-balls out and replaced them with macro-algea. The bio-balls were just below the overflow drain.

Will macro-algea grow aggressivly in such a high flow area? Should I place the macro in a less turbulent area? I have had the macro in for about a month and have not noticed a whole lot of growth even though I have high nitrates (>20). I do have a Lowes plant light in the sump 24/7. Any ideas are apprecieated as I need to lower the nitrates. BTW I do 12% WC weekly but it hasn't seemed to do much.

Thanks,

Mike

meco65
04/18/2006, 08:23 PM
You can do it the old way and do some 20% water changes every other day till you get them to 0.

bertoni
04/18/2006, 08:52 PM
Water changes usually don't do much to change the nitrate level because they're so easily generated by the tank. What type of macroalga do you have? Sometimes iron helps in this case, or perhaps more or different lighting.

meco65
04/18/2006, 09:06 PM
That why you do water changes as weekly mant. DA

meco65
04/18/2006, 09:10 PM
If you dont over feed your fish, or over stock your tank you can keek perimaters ok with only water changes i have a tank that only has live rock live sand over the back filter i only have to do water change about once a month BUT it not over stocked and i dont over feed.

Avi
04/18/2006, 09:23 PM
I had a similar situation and then it changed when I changed the bulb to one of these....

http://www.lightsofamerica.com/floods.htm

The macro took off immediately with the new light.

cyclops23
04/18/2006, 09:29 PM
does home depot have those lights?

Avi
04/19/2006, 08:14 AM
Yes...that's where I got it.