Hi all,
I am having issues with my water chemistry. Before I go into details, I might as well explain why I am having water problems. I go to college and am living in a dorm (which means no access to RO). I originally tried purchasing RO from the local grocery store but I'm assuming they do not change the filter frequently because the tap water was better than that "RO" water. Additionally, the only LFS charges $3.50 per gallon. I know thats absurd and I would bite the bill but I'm only running a 10 gallon right now so with such frequently needed water changes, paying that much for a gallon of RO is out of the question. So with that, I am openly stating if I had an option to use RO, I would but I do not. The tap water I have tested is at 0 ppm ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. I have yet to test it for phosphates but can upon request. I am getting a lot of growth in HA (whether it be from phosphates or other nutrients in the water) and am not entirely sure what to do. My fish and corals are as happy as can be but I want to find a way to minimize algae growth. I can't treat with carbon (as it is a small hob filter) nor phosban (as I don't have a phosban reactor). While I am doing frequent water changes, I suspect it is not lowering the levels as the issue is in the water itself (I know... I need RO), so I see only a few options. My first option was getting a small in-tank refugium to grow chaeto (with the idea that it would hopefully out-compete the HA). I have never used chaeto so I don't know the effectiveness of this. My other option is a phosban reactor (which may or may not solve the problem because I am unsure if phosphates are the issue in the first place). Could you guys give me your thoughts or opinions on what you think I should do?
I am having issues with my water chemistry. Before I go into details, I might as well explain why I am having water problems. I go to college and am living in a dorm (which means no access to RO). I originally tried purchasing RO from the local grocery store but I'm assuming they do not change the filter frequently because the tap water was better than that "RO" water. Additionally, the only LFS charges $3.50 per gallon. I know thats absurd and I would bite the bill but I'm only running a 10 gallon right now so with such frequently needed water changes, paying that much for a gallon of RO is out of the question. So with that, I am openly stating if I had an option to use RO, I would but I do not. The tap water I have tested is at 0 ppm ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. I have yet to test it for phosphates but can upon request. I am getting a lot of growth in HA (whether it be from phosphates or other nutrients in the water) and am not entirely sure what to do. My fish and corals are as happy as can be but I want to find a way to minimize algae growth. I can't treat with carbon (as it is a small hob filter) nor phosban (as I don't have a phosban reactor). While I am doing frequent water changes, I suspect it is not lowering the levels as the issue is in the water itself (I know... I need RO), so I see only a few options. My first option was getting a small in-tank refugium to grow chaeto (with the idea that it would hopefully out-compete the HA). I have never used chaeto so I don't know the effectiveness of this. My other option is a phosban reactor (which may or may not solve the problem because I am unsure if phosphates are the issue in the first place). Could you guys give me your thoughts or opinions on what you think I should do?
