Yet another algae question

MrBunny · 02/08/2009, 09:11 PM

Hey like many others I have a huge algae problem. I understand this because my tank is still very new. My question is why is algae so aggressive in new tanks? What part does the algae play in a new tank?

Just interested I recently finally won a battle with hair algae in my planted tank. I think in part to switching over to RO water and the tank being about a year old now.

IslandCrow · 02/08/2009, 09:47 PM

Generally, algae is able to take hold in a new tank because you don't have a mature biological filtration process going yet. There may also be some die-off on the live rock. All of this tends to yield higher levels of nitrates and phosphates that make a very fertile breeding ground for algae. Algae is not necessarily part of a new tank, but as you hinted at, it is a natural part of the ecosystem we're trying to create. Just as the bacteria on and in our rocks and sand break down ammonia and nitrates, so does algae process the bi-products of other biological bi-products. With properly cured live rock, proper nutrient export (e.g. protein skimming) and reducing nutrient import (e.g. using RO/DI and not overfeeding), algae really doesn't ever have to be a significant problem in any tank, new or old.

MrBunny · 02/08/2009, 10:01 PM

Ya I started my tank with tap water so I'm under the assumption that is my first problem. I recently got a phosban reactor but there doesn't seem to be any change yet.

singold · 02/08/2009, 10:52 PM

Keep an eye on phosphate levels, algae feeds off phosphates to a large degree. Remove the food source for the algae.

MrBunny · 02/09/2009, 09:29 AM

Water changes and phosban reactor the only ways to remove phosphate?

epstein · 02/09/2009, 10:35 AM

and utilizing RO water......Tap water is your main culprit.....BTW if you dont have a water maker......buy your distilled water at a wally world......

Brian

MrBunny · 02/09/2009, 10:59 PM

Ya I been getting my water from a place called water an ice. I don't know if its in other states but around here its like the plague lol. I'm not totally sure how much better their water is but it appears to be ok. I haven't tested it for anything.

I have a phosphate tester kit but I really don't like how it works. I'm thinking about buy a different brand unless they all utilize the same method for testing. I'm starting to think even with the little instructions I screw up the test because my readings always say my water quality is really good and has only had a very small ammonia spike during the couple of months I have had it. But anyways i digress and in better news my tank today was actually clear my girl friend awarded me the victor. I responded yes we won this battle but we havent won the war. ; P

02/08/2009, 09:11 PM	#1
MrBunny Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Tempe, Arizona Posts: 240	Yet another algae question Hey like many others I have a huge algae problem. I understand this because my tank is still very new. My question is why is algae so aggressive in new tanks? What part does the algae play in a new tank? Just interested I recently finally won a battle with hair algae in my planted tank. I think in part to switching over to RO water and the tank being about a year old now.

02/08/2009, 09:47 PM	#2
IslandCrow Reef Monkey Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Rockledge, Fl Posts: 5,759	Generally, algae is able to take hold in a new tank because you don't have a mature biological filtration process going yet. There may also be some die-off on the live rock. All of this tends to yield higher levels of nitrates and phosphates that make a very fertile breeding ground for algae. Algae is not necessarily part of a new tank, but as you hinted at, it is a natural part of the ecosystem we're trying to create. Just as the bacteria on and in our rocks and sand break down ammonia and nitrates, so does algae process the bi-products of other biological bi-products. With properly cured live rock, proper nutrient export (e.g. protein skimming) and reducing nutrient import (e.g. using RO/DI and not overfeeding), algae really doesn't ever have to be a significant problem in any tank, new or old. __________________ All opinions in the above message should be taken with 35 ppt salt. -Mike C. Current Tank Info: I have a reef screen saver on my phone, does that count?

02/08/2009, 10:52 PM	#4
singold Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Lake Saint Louis, Missouri Posts: 1,827	Keep an eye on phosphate levels, algae feeds off phosphates to a large degree. Remove the food source for the algae. __________________ "If there is no wind.....row." Current Tank Info: 75gal Reef w/29gal Refugium

02/09/2009, 10:35 AM	#6
epstein Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NYC transplant now in CT Posts: 1,501	and utilizing RO water......Tap water is your main culprit.....BTW if you dont have a water maker......buy your distilled water at a wally world...... Brian __________________ I'd Rather be a failure at something I love , Than a sucess at something I hate . George Burns Current Tank Info: 150 DD Cube / 100 Gal Sump(basement) 30gal cube frag tank plumb Panworld 250ps return/ Reef Octopus SRO3000 Skimmer/ Bubble Magus Doser/Lumenmax reflector with 400 watt Radium bulb Ice Cap Ballast Apex Controller 2 MP40wes 2 gyre 150

02/08/2009, 10:01 PM	#3
MrBunny Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Tempe, Arizona Posts: 240	Ya I started my tank with tap water so I'm under the assumption that is my first problem. I recently got a phosban reactor but there doesn't seem to be any change yet.

02/09/2009, 09:29 AM	#5
MrBunny Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Tempe, Arizona Posts: 240	Water changes and phosban reactor the only ways to remove phosphate?

02/09/2009, 10:59 PM	#7
MrBunny Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Tempe, Arizona Posts: 240	Ya I been getting my water from a place called water an ice. I don't know if its in other states but around here its like the plague lol. I'm not totally sure how much better their water is but it appears to be ok. I haven't tested it for anything. I have a phosphate tester kit but I really don't like how it works. I'm thinking about buy a different brand unless they all utilize the same method for testing. I'm starting to think even with the little instructions I screw up the test because my readings always say my water quality is really good and has only had a very small ammonia spike during the couple of months I have had it. But anyways i digress and in better news my tank today was actually clear my girl friend awarded me the victor. I responded yes we won this battle but we havent won the war. ; P