hard algae growing on acrylic

[frdchang]

i use R/O water (but the filters might be old)

the algae that grows on my acrylic is very hard to scrape off.... i risk scratching my acrylic because i have to apply allot of pressure to get the algae off..

i was wondering what was causing this? silicate alge is soft yah? algae caused by nitrate is usually green?

i'm suspecting its my light... anyone else use 12000k MH bulbs and get this hard algae? or is this a common problem and i just need to deal with it...

(i'm thinking of doing a Deep Sand Bed, because when i had one before i never had algae problems)

your wisdom is appreciated!

fred

 

[esmithiii]

Coraline algae is indicative of a healthy tank and is highly desired by most reefkeepers. You can use a credit card or a razor-scraper to remove it from the front and rear glass.

Cleaning magnets that are acrylic-safe are also very effective but require more work.

Ernie