Another Algae Question

[awillemd1]

I have a 90 gallon reef setup with 2X175 watt 10,000 Mh lighting and I am still recovering from a huge green hair algae outbreak in August. I associated it with unrecovered dead fish, ich, and a phosphate problem (bad RO membrane). I have removed the phosphate using a phosphate sponge to bring the levels down to 0 to .03 and I have performed many 10 gallon water changes. In addition I reduced the light cycle down to where most of the algae cleared up after some scrubbing.

Now I am trying to bring the light cycle back to around 12 hours, but I can't get there without the algae threatening to take over again. I purchased a few more snails, but I still only have about 4 or 5 of the large Mexican Turbo Snails and 4 or 5 of the smaller Astrea snails. I also have a few assorted hermit crabs. I am currently at about 6 hours and the snails seem to be able to just keep up.

My question is 'does this seem normal'? Is the answer that I just need to purchase more algae eaters, i.e. snails?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.

awillemd1

[NaH2O]

IMO, you do need more snails as I don't feel that the large Turbo snails do as well as other types of snails. Try for a mix of Tiger Trochus, Trochus, cerith, nerite, astrea (which you currently have), and nassarius (for DSB). I would give these a try. Also, some people may recommend algae eating fish. What are your current tank inhabitants and feeding schedule?

[awillemd1]

Thank you for your reply.

I currently have only a Yellow Tang and a Spotted Hawkfish. For inverts I have two starfish, a lobster, 2 small crabs (unknown species), and no coral. I plan to add a couple of fish in the next month.

I only feed about once every other day with flake food.

awillemd1

[jks1]

definately need more snails, i have 40+ in my 29, also could try a conch or two. How are your calcium levels? Encouraging coralline algae growth will edge out the hair algae. (hopefully!)

[awillemd1]

Thanks for your reply.

My calcium is up around 430 ppm. I think all of my chemistry is in good shape. Except I don't measure magnesium levels or iodine levels.

It looks like it is unanimous. I need more snails!

awillemd1