Algae problems

92reefer · 01/30/2008, 08:23 PM

I have a well established 92 gallon Berlin style Reef.

One of the things I can't stand is that over the course of about 3-4 months, the front of my tank develops a coating of green/brownish algae that I have to manually vacuum off the fine white sand during water changes.

Is there anyway I can get rid of this annoying algae. My water parameters appear to be in line and I added a small refugium with CHEATO to my existing sump but nothing appears to get rid of the algae that grows on top of the sand.

Maybe I should invest in some critters to eat it?

Tang Salad · 01/30/2008, 08:55 PM

Apart from the usual methods of nutrient control and export (fewer feedings, more water changes, better skimming etc.) you could try increasing the flow in that area.

BodiBuilt · 01/30/2008, 08:57 PM

Do you have room for a small Foxface Rabbit fish?

sherm71tank · 01/30/2008, 09:04 PM

What does well established mean? How long has the tank been set up? When did you notice the algae start to grow? Adding more bioload to the tank to remedy a nutrient problem is not advise I would give.

92reefer · 01/30/2008, 09:33 PM

Tanks been setup for about 5 years. The algae has steadily grown for the last 2 years at a rate of about 4 months. I usually siphon off as much as I can during the water changes that I do rather infrequently (much preferred due to busy schedule). I have 2 tanks and 1 bangai cardinal and I really don't want to add another fish. I was hoping someone had some advice as to some type of detrivore or starfish/urchin/etc that might feed on this stuff. For the most part that algae stays of my rock.

Maybe flow IS my problem. Wonder if adding one of those new angled/diffused powerheads down at the front sand would suffice?

sherm71tank · 01/30/2008, 09:47 PM

Another option: the sand bed is causing your problem. They can only handle so much before they get full. Consider replacing it or going BB. I went through it with my SB after many years. IF the SB is full it is only a matter of time before the rockwork also starts to grow algae and you end up with a nice algae display tank. Adding to the bioload (more animals) is not the solution in my opinion.

92reefer · 01/31/2008, 10:30 AM

I do have some algae on the rock work but not a ton at this point.

How does the SB get full and of what?

92reefer · 01/31/2008, 10:39 AM

One other thing. I noticed the sand under the rocks that doesn't receive direct light does not have the algae problem. Does this still indicate that the SB is still full (of something)?

sherm71tank · 01/31/2008, 09:40 PM

Detritus accumulates in the sand bed. The sand bed acts as a nutrient (phosphates mainly) "sink". Over time it just can't take any more in and algae problems ensue. Algae doesn't grow well without light.

01/30/2008, 08:23 PM	#1
92reefer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Ellenton Florida Posts: 994	Algae problems I have a well established 92 gallon Berlin style Reef. One of the things I can't stand is that over the course of about 3-4 months, the front of my tank develops a coating of green/brownish algae that I have to manually vacuum off the fine white sand during water changes. Is there anyway I can get rid of this annoying algae. My water parameters appear to be in line and I added a small refugium with CHEATO to my existing sump but nothing appears to get rid of the algae that grows on top of the sand. Maybe I should invest in some critters to eat it?

01/30/2008, 08:55 PM	#2
Tang Salad Algae skeptic Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: 78702 Posts: 3,098	Apart from the usual methods of nutrient control and export (fewer feedings, more water changes, better skimming etc.) you could try increasing the flow in that area. __________________ Your algae is not special. Current Tank Info: TBD ADA 120-P SPS NLPS

01/30/2008, 08:57 PM	#3
BodiBuilt Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: NorCal Posts: 1,326	Do you have room for a small Foxface Rabbit fish? __________________ Tell Them Dave Was Here Current Tank Info: 280g In Progress

01/30/2008, 09:04 PM	#4
sherm71tank Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 3,670	What does well established mean? How long has the tank been set up? When did you notice the algae start to grow? Adding more bioload to the tank to remedy a nutrient problem is not advise I would give.

01/30/2008, 09:33 PM	#5
92reefer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Ellenton Florida Posts: 994	Tanks been setup for about 5 years. The algae has steadily grown for the last 2 years at a rate of about 4 months. I usually siphon off as much as I can during the water changes that I do rather infrequently (much preferred due to busy schedule). I have 2 tanks and 1 bangai cardinal and I really don't want to add another fish. I was hoping someone had some advice as to some type of detrivore or starfish/urchin/etc that might feed on this stuff. For the most part that algae stays of my rock. Maybe flow IS my problem. Wonder if adding one of those new angled/diffused powerheads down at the front sand would suffice?

01/30/2008, 09:47 PM	#6
sherm71tank Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 3,670	Another option: the sand bed is causing your problem. They can only handle so much before they get full. Consider replacing it or going BB. I went through it with my SB after many years. IF the SB is full it is only a matter of time before the rockwork also starts to grow algae and you end up with a nice algae display tank. Adding to the bioload (more animals) is not the solution in my opinion.

01/31/2008, 10:30 AM	#7
92reefer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Ellenton Florida Posts: 994	I do have some algae on the rock work but not a ton at this point. How does the SB get full and of what?

01/31/2008, 10:39 AM	#8
92reefer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Ellenton Florida Posts: 994	One other thing. I noticed the sand under the rocks that doesn't receive direct light does not have the algae problem. Does this still indicate that the SB is still full (of something)?

01/31/2008, 09:40 PM	#9
sherm71tank Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 3,670	Detritus accumulates in the sand bed. The sand bed acts as a nutrient (phosphates mainly) "sink". Over time it just can't take any more in and algae problems ensue. Algae doesn't grow well without light.