anyone use marc weiss algae magic? possible problem.

[jmarzullo]

I've got some pulsing xenia that look fried after the first application of algae magic, (fighting bryopsis). i called marc weiss and they said it is a reaction to the iodine in my tank. they also said the xenia will be fine and to move forward with the algae magic which really makes me nervous. any feedback??

[ACBlinky]

I have never heard anything positive about Marc Weiss products. If you added something to the tank, and your coral reacted negatively, why on earth would you want to add more? I'd do a water change, then start increasing your Mg (this is supposed to really help with Bryopsis) and get to the root of the problem -- phosphate. reactor, adsorbing resin, or chaeto, it doesn't matter; find a way to soak up the PO4 and outcompete the bryopsis. As with most reef problems, unfortunately the solution isn't found in a bottle -- at least not one with the name Marc Weiss on it.

[jmarzullo]

well, i agree with you. i have been doing massive weekly changes, only use ro/di, use a canister with carbon/resin. i messed with the LR in the fuge and i think i opened pandora's box. the outbreak is so fast and agressive i'm using the weiss before it's too late.

[seapug]

I smell snake oil. Can you post the ingredients listed on the bottle? All I see when I do a google search is that it magically oxygenates the water. I'm curious exactly what ingredient it uses to accomplish this. I'm willing to bet the source of your problem lies there.

You have a phosphate problem, not an oxygen problem. Get a Phosban reactor and GFO media. They are cheap, easy to set up, and effectively deal with the source of your algae problem.

EDIT: Just found the ingredients-- "Vitamins", a bunch of trace elements (not no Mag.), then a bunch of plant extracts.

I could be wrong, but Sounds to me like this stuff is essentially an acidic compound mixed with alcohol that's intended to stimulate a bacteria bloom, ala the "Vodka method." Maybe ok in a planted FW tank, but I'd never put it in my reef.

Anyway...still do the Phosban Reactor.

[ManotheSea]

I thought it was well established that Marc Weiss products are... how you say?... very questionable? Sorry you didnt know about it sooner.

[Janice12]

I was reading this thread...

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1315091

Personally I wouldn't touch Marc Weiss products with a 10 foot pole, much less add them to my tank.

[jmarzullo]

Thanks for all your replies. It's amazing what you might try in desperation. I did quite a few google reviews and they were favorable, but I'm done with the stuff. Quick question to you all: I have a rena canister that i have for polishing. Can this be used as a phosphate reactor by putting the media in there, (zero bypass)??

[seapug]

GFO media really needs slow flow to work effectively-- and keep it from turning into powder and ending up in your tank.

[jmarzullo]

what about kent phosphate sponge? any good?

[seapug]

Phosphate sponge works well but only lasts 24 hours then starts releasing phosphate back into the water. GFO will not do that. If you've got a cheap source for 100 cans of sponge, go for it, otherwise the GFO is much more cost effective.

[jmarzullo]

Hey listen, many thanks.

[seapug]

yer welcome. Good luck with your battle. Most people here have been through it at one point.

[Freed]

I have only read bad things about any Marc Weiss product. When any Weiss product is added to someone's tank it usually has a bad outcome. As stated above look at raising magnesium levels to eliminate your bryopsis.