GFO vs Macro Algae

[schigara]

It seems like the PhosBan reactor with granular ferric oxide media is winning over chaetomorpha and the chaeto has stalled and appears to be changing color and dying.

Before adding the Phosban reactor, my tumbling chaeto ball in my refugium was growing like crazy up to basketball size every week and I would trim half away and the next week would grow back to the size of a basketball. Hair algae was still getting out of hand and the combination of GFO and Turbo snails totally got rid of the hair in about 5 days.

I know what caused the hair algae outbreak. It was a worn out RO/DI membrane and DI resin and some overfeeding so that is not the question. I now own a TDS meter and am more careful with feeding.

My question is, is it common for those that run GFO 24/7, to see their macro algae stall?

Now that I have my TDS and feeding in check, should I suspend the use of GFO or just use it when I see the macro algae growing as quickly as it did in the past?

 

[Mr.Firemouth]

Yes, it is common that in many systems Chaeto and other macroalgaes will suffer when GFO is used. I would continue to run the GFO and change the media every 30 days.(regardless of PO4 levels)

The chaeto may adapt to the new nutrient levels present and begin to grow again.

 

[Amphiprion]

I agree with the above. If anything, you can keep an eye on nitrate levels. If they start to rise, give the reactor some time off and allow the chaeto to get some phosphate so that it can also absorb nitrate. Personally, I just let both go. While the chaeto will grow more slowly, it still grows for me.

 

[schigara]

Thanks guys. Much appreciated information.