AlgaeFix Marine to control Hair Algae

[HighlandReefer]

Gotcha.

[sanababit]

btt

[sanababit]

7th dose on tuesday and today is my 8th, this is going to be my last dose, looks like the algae is almost gone and i am going to stop dosing, i noticed my colors on corals a bit bland, maybe is because there is no PO4 in the water, who knows, i am very happy with the results and i am going change my GFO, carbon, hope this pest doesnt come back....any updates guys on your tanks

sana

[pIankton]

When I upgraded from my 90 to my 125, I had a hair algae explosion but after a few weeks of regular dosing, it's gone. Now I'm fighting the cyano battle that follows...

This product works really well IMO but I could really do without the cyano side effects.

[HighlandReefer]

sana,

Good to hear your results. Hopefully your pest does not come back.

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pIankton,

I'm happy the AlgaeFix worked on your algae pest.

Personally, I don't see cyano as a side effect of using AlgaeFix. Instead I see the situation as the cyano was always there, but the algae pest was able to out compete the cyano given the conditions. I see pictures of cyano mixed with algae quite frequently throughout the Internet. Once your algae was eradicated/controlled, then the conditions were right for the cyano to take over at that point.

Unfortunately, it does not appear that AlgaeFix works very well on the red cyano. I have what I believe is a blue-green cyano and the AlgaeFix works well on it.

This current thread goes into more detail regarding problems in trying to control cyanobacteria.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1633411

[Logzor]

I just applied my first dose of this product. I have an algae that is not a major problem. It is simply hard to get rid of. I have had Dictyota in my tank for awhile now and I hope this helps knock it out. This algae seems to do well in very low nutrient systems.

[HighlandReefer]

Logzor,

Keep us posted on how it works on your pest.

Does this picture look like your pest?

[bshumake]

I just started dosing Algaefix 4 days ago in hopes of getting rid of my HA problem. I just switched over to T5's and the HA I had EXPLODED! So now i'm pulling out probably 16oz of algae every other week. Hoping this fixes it.
I'll be making a GFO reactor and adding Mg++ to the treatments to quell this abomination all the faster.

[HighlandReefer]

bshumake,

Great to have you sharing your experience with us.

What wavelength bulbs are you using?

I would recommend removing as much algae as possible by hand and siphoning before you dose. If this stuff is overwhelming, perhaps attacking one section at a time may make more sense.

Pictures are always nice to see what is going on in your tank.

[bshumake]

I haven't taken pics yet simply because it kills me to see it like this. But, in the name of science, i will do so.
I'm using a mixture of ATI bulbs (blue plus, actinic white, blue...blue, bah; lots of blue) but the one that really kicked the algae in overdrive is a GE 6500. I proclaim them the Spawn of the Almighty Unholy One! I swear, within one week of turning that puppy on I got my but handed to me on a paper plate.
Initially, I had some with my MH's but nothing like I have now.
I dosed Vodka for a bit with stinky and faded coral results so I stopped and began searching for alternative methods. Then I found your post (praise Alah) and saw the light. I must admit, I've shortened the dosing time. I dosed 2 days after the first and dosed again 24hours later. No ill effects to report on this, but I don't plan on dosing again for 3 days. I was hoping to see results sooner and fell into the "a little more will only help" catagory.
So, the long and short of it is: I will get pics; 6500=EVIL; pruning HA like a mad dog.
B "Why no dear, I didn't know carpeting could hold that much water." S

[HighlandReefer]

IMHO, the GE 6500 is perfect for algae and nothing else in your system. I had increased algae growth using 10,000 K bulbs (I was using 12,000 K bulbs) and switched them out to the Radium 20,000 K bulbs. This decreased the algae growth significantly and my coral, clams & RBTA seem to be enjoying them.

[sanababit]

hang in there bshumake, keep doing what you are doing and you will win, good luck

Sana

[Retzius]

I am on my sixth dose and I have to say this Algaefix has made a difference. I still have some small patches but they are now grayish looking and most of the HA that was growing has died. I have already siphoned off a lot of dead HA. It seems that when the HA dies it just crumbles and turns into detritus.

However, I have noticed some polyp retraction on my corals. I am aware it could be from the HA die off due to increase in nitrates and phosphates. I cant check phosphate b/c I sold my hanna meter, bummer. Is this possible? My water parameters are fine. I am riding the course to see what will happen in the coming weeks.

Anyone using Algaefix have polyp retraction on thier monti digis or danae's? Thanks.

-Saul

[bshumake]

Sana, ty for the encouragement.
Saul! You frackin' skin-job! Adama loved you man! *snif* He loved you like a brother.
Seriously though, its posts like Saul's that give me the courage to carry on.

[dschflier]

Does anyone know what is actually in the product and what it does in order to kill the algae. Just curiously following the thread.

[HighlandReefer]

This thread which includes comments by Randy and Boomer goes into more details about the actual active ingredient in AlgaeFix Marine and what we know about it at this point.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...x&pagenumber=1

Unfortunately the manufacturer has not responded to several requests for more information that I have made.

From this thread, Randy stated:

"According to the MSDS, and after a little redjusting for their incorrect namming, Algaefix is 4.5 weight percent of a cationic polymer

Poly[oxy-1,2-ethanediyl(dimethyliminio)-1,2-ethanediyl(dimethyliminio)-1,2-ethanediyl chloride (1:2)]

more commonly known as

Polyquaternium 42

and these other common names:

Armoblen NPX; BL 2142; Bualta; Bubond 60; Bulab 6002; Busan 1507; Busan 77; KA 1700; MBC 115; Polixetonium chloride; Poly[oxyethylene(dimethylamino)ethylene(dimethylamino)ethylene dichloride]; Polyquaternium 42; TB 66; WSCP"

[Logzor]

Originally posted by HighlandReefer
Logzor,

Keep us posted on how it works on your pest.

Does this picture look like your pest?

That is very similar. This algae can thrive in low nutrients and can never get enough light. Here is a picture of the same specimen that is in my tank. It tends to stay plastered to the rock so you can not even grab a hold of it for removal. This stuff is rather toxic so few fish will touch it. It is supposedly "impossible" to get rid of and will be the ultimate test for this product.

[HighlandReefer]

Logzar,

Real nice pest you have there.

I glanced through some articles regarding this algae and many of them refer to it as a macroalgae. I am not sure what the distinguishing characteristic are between a micro and a macroalgae are. The AlgaeFix label states that it will not kill macroalgae, but will slow its growth. I do think that the AlgaeFix killed my chaeto after an unusually extended period of dosing. So I would think there may be hope, but it may take an unusually longer period of time to do it.

[Doolin]

I'm on my second dose. Seems like my GHA is easier to pull off and slightly lighter in color. I stopped skimming for the time being.

[sanababit]

Come on guys some pics of before and after, just for shets and giggles

Sana

[THE ROOK]

I don't think I'd stop skimming as that's the only way to really export the extra nutrients without reactors.

[Logzor]

Originally posted by HighlandReefer
Logzar,

Real nice pest you have there.

I glanced through some articles regarding this algae and many of them refer to it as a macroalgae. I am not sure what the distinguishing characteristic are between a micro and a macroalgae are. The AlgaeFix label states that it will not kill macroalgae, but will slow its growth. I do think that the AlgaeFix killed my chaeto after an unusually extended period of dosing. So I would think there may be hope, but it may take an unusually longer period of time to do it.

Luckily mine is not that out of control! It is just plastered to the rock.

You are right. It is a macroalgae. I really hope it will still work.

[HighlandReefer]

I agree with Sana,




It helps other hobbyists to identify with which algae or pest you are fighting.

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Doolin,

Sounds good so far.

[bshumake]

I cringe at sharing these pictures of my system. However, in the hopes that Algaefix works for me, it will be a testimate.
I'm also building a fluidized reactor for GFO. That one will be posted on DIY once complete.
I am removing as much as I can manually.
Pray for me brothers and sisters.

[HighlandReefer]

bshumake,

Thanks for the pictures. Here's to your future success.


Now to try and figure out which algae pest your have.