Quote:
Originally Posted by travis
Although my evidence is only anecdotal, I suspect that the more intense, focused nature of MH lamps contributes to the likelihood of GDA because it causes much more glare from the inner surfaces of the tank, making them a ripe target for algae. I've got a 125G planted tank with 2x250w MH lamps over it that requires regular cleaning to prevent a film of GDA from covering the glass. I also find this to be the case in many MH-driven reef tanks.
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Thanks for the kind words Travis! And thanks for the info!
My tank is in a corner near windows on two sides. And for a few minutes each day actually gets direct morning sunlight. A bad thing I know. And I've watched this with great interest, trying to correlate it to that GDA growth areas, and cannot. But I can back you up and say it absolutely follows the halogen lights. Any place on the tank wall that has a halogen shadow gets markedly reduced algae. It's still there, but less.
And I find the Fe comment fascinating. My records indicate that I began dosing iron - separate from my micros, 1 week prior to my GDA explosion. This is a factor that I'm going to have to keep my eye on...
As for the Maracyn, the last time that worked, it was done in conjunction with shutting down ALL micro dosing for about 10 days. So even in that case, I was not changing a single factor. And this potentially lends credibility to your Fe observation. I'm REALLY going to have to keep my eye on that.
I too spoke to a woman at Red Sea, who gave me the same advice. And I too am an Ocean Clear, filter changin', hammer whacker. No other way to do it. That said, when I installed this second one last week, the little o-ringed air outlet on top had to be screwed down REALLY hard. Like with pliers - to keep it from leaking. I was afraid I was going to break it. Bottom line - I think they have some QA issues and tolerance issues with the manufacturing of those top pieces.