I have a battle which is not ending and turning into an all out war! Algae! Dare I say it out loud in fear it will awaken some mighty giant I have not seen yet or amass more of the same army which has been overrunning my veiled attempts. We all face this foe one time or another. Mine follows the same story…poor nutrient exporting leading to explosion of algae and not just one variety. I have nice red slime, gorgeous filamentous, and some wonderful bryopsis for which I would probably receive awards if that was the prized possession. I know without a microscopic analysis and knowledge beyond what I have today, I will never know exactly what I am fighting and am sure why my little battle has turned into an all out war.

Here is my story which I am sure you have heard before. May be different steps but you know how it goes. I have to admit I feel I am fighting this war like the first little piggy in the Three Little Pigs kid’s tale.

For the first line of defense, I have been using ZEOvit bacterial system to export both phosphates and nitrates for about six months without seeing the ultra low nutrients. This was after using the other bacteria system, Vodka Dosing, which was my first failed attempt. Is it me? Is it my tank? I will keep plugging away with my research now focused on a sulfur denitrifier which I am reluctant to use as I have also battled low pH due to a closed home with high indoor CO2 levels. That is another battle which I have seemed to have won and another story to tell. I will drag my feet on trying anything else in hopes I am not being patient and will one day see the nutrients drop as all others talk about. Is it a mirage? A myth? Am I going to make it? Is this the holy grail which alludes me?

Second line of defense is old fashion brushing with a tooth brush. Spend any time doing it, you will know how much I love this task. To top it off, it seems like all I am doing is encouraging it to find a new place to grow, a new place to take hold. “Brush, Brush, Brush” is what my daughter says as she walks by eyeing me buried in the tank. I think she is laughing as she knows how the story goes.

Third line of defense, upgrade my equipment thinking that is the problem and a viable strategy. Started with trying to have better circulation, more reactors, better lighting, and now a “better skimmer.” I can say all I have accomplished is parting with my money with minimal impact on my tank. Am I believing all the hype of what I read or am I failing with the equipment I chose? Do I try another? Will MACNA have the next greatest thing which is the cure all and I should wait?

Fourth line of defense and new warfare tactic for me, using chemicals! I feel like I now have weapon I can use like my S&W MP 15 and Glock 23. Granted, chemicals can be as dangerous as the afore mentioned weapons with some innocent victims falling along the way even if I am careful. It makes me feel powerful against this mighty foe as I sit back and smile the sinister grin. Die! Die! Die! Will this be the weapon I have been missing? Will I finally prevail?

So far, I am losing the war with thoughts from time to time to give up and nuke the whole thing. That would be the empirical thing to do. Luckily, common sense kicks in and I trudge away in the every day battle watching casualties fall along the way with hope I will prevail one day. I will win, I say! Maybe one day or maybe I will lose my mind along the way!?!

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