Theory: Algae free tank possible?

[sen5241b]

If I nuke the rock with bleach, rinse it with tap water, dechlorinate it, rinse it again, gamma irradiate or UV sterilize my sand and add no sllimey snails, is it possible to get an algae free tank? I know bleaching rock and dechlorinating it has been done and it avoided a cycle becuase it removed anything living but has anyone got a 100% algae free tank going?

(Perhaps a 100% algae free tank might be bad for some livestock.)

[Bifferwine]

You won't only nuke algae spores, but you'll nuke all the good bacteria on the rocks, and that'll cause your tank to crash.

And then, the rocks will just be recolonized by the algae spores living in the water column, on the livestock, and floating in the air.

It won't work. Algae will get introduced into the tank no matter what you try to do. You need to learn to control it by improving your water quality and tank conditions, since it's impossible to 100% eradicate it.

[yote]

There is no such thing as an algae free tank.Just like there are no algae free reefs.
The only difference is the algae is harder to control in our tanks.On the wild reefs,there are all kinds of herbivores both large and small that keep the algae in check.

[cthegame]

algae free tank is only possible if your tank has no lights & water.

[Piggy]

Find the source and then it's controllable. The only algae I have is the stuff that collects on the glass. My tangs take care of anything that grows on the rock. Plus my emerald crab does his share.

[sen5241b]

Originally Posted by Bifferwine

You won't only nuke algae spores, but you'll nuke all the good bacteria on the rocks, and that'll cause your tank to crash.

And then, the rocks will just be recolonized by the algae spores living in the water column, on the livestock, and floating in the air.

It won't work. Algae will get introduced into the tank no matter what you try to do. You need to learn to control it by improving your water quality and tank conditions, since it's impossible to 100% eradicate it.

I can't believe Bryopsis spores are floating in the air.

[Bifferwine]

Originally Posted by sen5241b

I can't believe Bryopsis spores are floating in the air.

Maybe not bryopsis, but SOME sort of algae. Do a test: Make up some saltwater, put it in a tub outside, and keep it topped off. I guarantee you will get some sort of algae in the tub in no time.

[sen5241b]

Originally Posted by Bifferwine

Maybe not bryopsis, but SOME sort of algae. Do a test: Make up some saltwater, put it in a tub outside, and keep it topped off. I guarantee you will get some sort of algae in the tub in no time.

You're right. I've done that experiment using a swimming pool.

[yote]

There may not be any bryopsis spores in the air,but I'll guarantee they'll be on the next coral or piece of rock you add to your tank.
But your not alone in the fight with bryopsis.I've been fighting it for the past 6 months at least.

[Stupidsreef]

Enough was said on algea, I can't think of anything else to add. But on the bryopsis, I too fought this for a while. After getting tired of being the loser, I invested in a GFO reactor. I removed all the LR and went as far as tooth brushing it to get it off. Then replaced it and fired up the new GFO unit. I haven't seen it back since. Crossing my finger though, anything can happen.