Algae Out of Control

ffmd21 · 08/15/2007, 04:46 PM

I have a huge algae problem. I have to about every three to four days scrap think algae of the glass, and now I have hair like algae, all over my live rock. The only thing I can think of doings is more frequent water changes. Right now I am about once every two weeks for the changes. Any other sugestions would be great!! Thanks!
Jim

ludnix · 08/15/2007, 04:51 PM

I would try and remove the algae with the water changes and cut back on feedings. I found that lowering the amount of food I put in the tank helps a lot.

Are you using RO/DI for making the water?

NaH2Ofreak · 08/15/2007, 04:54 PM

Are you using RO/DI filtered water? If not, than more frequent water changes will just compound the problem.

Dennis

ffmd21 · 08/15/2007, 05:26 PM

I am using a carbon/cotton fiber water filter for my water, have not investied in a RO/DI unit yet. As far as food I ahve only had fish for a week now and the algae has been going on for the last few months. I am starting to see a lot of new life on my live rock, just found a clam today that was not there before, so maybe the food for the algae is from die off from the LR? Just a thought, thanks for the replys

Kannin · 08/15/2007, 08:31 PM

you can turn your lights off for 2 to 3 days.

carlso63 · 08/15/2007, 08:41 PM

You need to buy a Phosphate Test Kit and a Nitrate Test Kit (if you don't have those already). Have a local LFS test the TDS (total dissolved solids) level of your tap water for you (just bring them a fresh tap water sample)...

Most likely a combination of higher phosphate and nitrates than you should have (they both should be as close to "0" as possible.

For high phosphate, consider adding some phosphate remover to your filter along with the carbon.

Nitrates can be controlled both with water changes and adding more Live Rock to help with denitrification.

However - as others have said - if your tap water TDS is high, then changing out water can actually make the problem
worse... if you can't get an RO / DI unit right away, try buying distilled water from your local grocery store or WalMart and using that for water changes / top off... not quite as pure as RO / DI, but close enough for now...

08/15/2007, 04:46 PM	#1
ffmd21 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 47	Algae Out of Control I have a huge algae problem. I have to about every three to four days scrap think algae of the glass, and now I have hair like algae, all over my live rock. The only thing I can think of doings is more frequent water changes. Right now I am about once every two weeks for the changes. Any other sugestions would be great!! Thanks! Jim __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 62gal, New Salt water

08/15/2007, 04:51 PM	#2
ludnix Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: California Posts: 3,031	I would try and remove the algae with the water changes and cut back on feedings. I found that lowering the amount of food I put in the tank helps a lot. Are you using RO/DI for making the water? __________________ -Eric Sutter Current Tank Info: 14g Biocube

08/15/2007, 05:26 PM	#4
ffmd21 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 47	I am using a carbon/cotton fiber water filter for my water, have not investied in a RO/DI unit yet. As far as food I ahve only had fish for a week now and the algae has been going on for the last few months. I am starting to see a lot of new life on my live rock, just found a clam today that was not there before, so maybe the food for the algae is from die off from the LR? Just a thought, thanks for the replys __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 62gal, New Salt water

08/15/2007, 08:31 PM	#5
Kannin Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fall City, WA Posts: 1,538	you can turn your lights off for 2 to 3 days. __________________ I used to target feed mojanos... until I found out that they weren't baby bubble tips.

08/15/2007, 08:41 PM	#6
carlso63 Reefkeeping since 1977 Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Lehi, Utah Posts: 948	You need to buy a Phosphate Test Kit and a Nitrate Test Kit (if you don't have those already). Have a local LFS test the TDS (total dissolved solids) level of your tap water for you (just bring them a fresh tap water sample)... Most likely a combination of higher phosphate and nitrates than you should have (they both should be as close to "0" as possible. For high phosphate, consider adding some phosphate remover to your filter along with the carbon. Nitrates can be controlled both with water changes and adding more Live Rock to help with denitrification. However - as others have said - if your tap water TDS is high, then changing out water can actually make the problem worse... if you can't get an RO / DI unit right away, try buying distilled water from your local grocery store or WalMart and using that for water changes / top off... not quite as pure as RO / DI, but close enough for now... __________________ -Member of the 35 & Over Club- Wanna see my tank? Go to www.utahreefs.com Current Tank Info: 150g Reef: 3 X 250 Halides (LumenMax3 / IceCap / Pheonix 14K DE), 2 X Gyre 150s, Elite Aquatics sump, dc9000 return, Curve 7, RKE, BRS Dual Reactor, Chaeto / Caulerpa Fuge

08/15/2007, 04:54 PM	#3
NaH2Ofreak Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 1,468	Are you using RO/DI filtered water? If not, than more frequent water changes will just compound the problem. Dennis