Brown haze type algae is out competing the coraline algae

chrissu · 08/13/2010, 08:05 PM

I have a tank that has been running for about 8 months and it doesn't seem to propogate purple coraline algae. Instead, I get this brown algae covering instead. I purchased live rock rich with purple coraline algae two weeks ago only to place it in my tank and watch the brown algae slowly cover up the purple algae for the most part. The purple coraline algae doesn't stand a chance.

Even with low phosthates (according to test results), I get this brown algae haze on my glass, rocks, walls, etc. I have to clean the face of the glass daily of this algae haze. I'm thinking that my tank is just over stocked and over fed. That being said, my water parameters always check out good. I even take in a water sample to FAIOS now and then and they test out great there too. nitrates 0, nitrites 0, ammonia 0, phosphates 0. I have a dozen fish, including a puffer. I feed usually 3 times a day and this consists of krill for the puffer, pellets, nori, and flakes. All the fish are fat, healthy, growing fast, and they do poop alot so I suspect that I'm just creating alot of detrious that is caking over everything. Have any of you experienced this? I'm getting tired of seeing other tanks that are overrun with coraline and none of this haze while my tank just isn't that way at all. Any thoughts or suggestions?

James404 · 08/13/2010, 08:19 PM

your water is testing 0's because the algae is absorbing the nitrate and phosphates. I would try to cut down on the feeding if possible and look into running GAC/GFO.

scuba guy ron · 08/13/2010, 08:30 PM

+1 o the above. I feed once every other day. also depending on the age of your bulbs they may need changing. Water flow may also help.

chrissu · 08/13/2010, 08:30 PM

Hi James, Thanks for the quick reply. GAC is granular activated carbon right? I have a cup of that in a bag that sits in my sump but not a true carbon reactor. I change out the carbon once a month.

What does GFO stand for? A quick search pulls up Granular Ferric Oxide Phosphate Remover. I like what I am reading at http://www.gettankedaquariums.com/in...in.Page....htm

Would you mind recommending how much for approx 120 gallons total water volume and how often to change it out? Are reactors required for each or are a couple of bags sitting in a turbulent area sufficient to do the job?

Thanks again for your advice!
Chris

James404 · 08/13/2010, 08:38 PM

No problem at all, I would look into running a dual reactor like http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/...n-reactor.html

This is the one I use with a Maxijet 1200. Reactors are a very efficient way to run carbon and gfo but thats not to say that your way wont work. I'm far from an expert though.

Yes GFO is granular ferric oxide, it will help remove phosphates. How often you change it will depend on how much phosphates you have to begin with. You may want to start at changing it every week or two and then go from there. Maybe someone else can chime in with a more precise way.

scuba guy ron · 08/13/2010, 08:51 PM

Gfo in a reactor is a must IMO. I am a local here in Tampa Bay. I used to have the same problem as you until I bought an ro di and started making my own water. Here is a vid i made that will show you the gfo reactor.

James404 · 08/13/2010, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scuba guy ron

Gfo in a reactor is a must IMO. I am a local here in Tampa Bay. I used to have the same problem as you until I bought an ro di and started making my own water. Here is a vid i made that will show you the gfo reactor.

Cool tank scuba

chrissu · 08/13/2010, 09:16 PM

Nice DIY setup! I'm glad to hear you have been down this path before with the hazy stuff. I know I'm not the only one going through this now.

I'll order that dual reactor setup that James404 recommended at http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/...n-reactor.html. I'll cut back on the feeding if that is key. I'll give it a month and repost here with the results.

It sounds like this problem can be fixed with these changes. Thanks James and Ron for your suggestions!

stevek480 · 08/17/2010, 08:08 PM

I'm having the exact same problem as you. I went on vacation 2 months ago and when I came back my rocks had turned brown. I think maybe I set the feeder too high. The worst part is I upgraded around 6 months ago from a 29g and the rocks I had that were purple from the old tank are now mostly brown also. I already have a single reactor with GAC so I guess I should get another for GFO. I will be anxious to see your progress.

08/13/2010, 08:19 PM	#2
James404 I <3 Acros Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 2,523	your water is testing 0's because the algae is absorbing the nitrate and phosphates. I would try to cut down on the feeding if possible and look into running GAC/GFO. __________________ 80g Deep Blue Rimless - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2651295 225g Reef Savvy SPS Dominant - Retired http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1945361

08/13/2010, 08:30 PM	#3
scuba guy ron Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 1,455	+1 o the above. I feed once every other day. also depending on the age of your bulbs they may need changing. Water flow may also help. __________________ Ron Current Tank Info: 6yr old 37 Gallon Column mixed reef

08/13/2010, 08:38 PM	#5
James404 I <3 Acros Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 2,523	No problem at all, I would look into running a dual reactor like http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/...n-reactor.html This is the one I use with a Maxijet 1200. Reactors are a very efficient way to run carbon and gfo but thats not to say that your way wont work. I'm far from an expert though. Yes GFO is granular ferric oxide, it will help remove phosphates. How often you change it will depend on how much phosphates you have to begin with. You may want to start at changing it every week or two and then go from there. Maybe someone else can chime in with a more precise way. __________________ 80g Deep Blue Rimless - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2651295 225g Reef Savvy SPS Dominant - Retired http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1945361

08/13/2010, 08:51 PM	#6
scuba guy ron Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 1,455	Gfo in a reactor is a must IMO. I am a local here in Tampa Bay. I used to have the same problem as you until I bought an ro di and started making my own water. Here is a vid i made that will show you the gfo reactor. __________________ Ron Current Tank Info: 6yr old 37 Gallon Column mixed reef

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
How to remove coraline from glass?	MyReef 2b Great	New to the Hobby	11	12/04/2011 09:17 AM
Algae Help	ticklesworth	New to the Hobby	6	04/08/2010 05:50 PM
Coraline algae "food" - is it an algae or coral?	CloruroDiSodio	New to the Hobby	6	06/17/2009 03:22 PM
Hair algae growing on coraline algae	Mikro	Reef Discussion	3	07/11/2008 07:12 PM
brown anemone type things in the sand	blazemore	New to the Hobby	3	04/29/2006 12:42 AM

08/13/2010, 08:30 PM	#4
chrissu Moved On Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Tampa FL Posts: 443	Hi James, Thanks for the quick reply. GAC is granular activated carbon right? I have a cup of that in a bag that sits in my sump but not a true carbon reactor. I change out the carbon once a month. What does GFO stand for? A quick search pulls up Granular Ferric Oxide Phosphate Remover. I like what I am reading at http://www.gettankedaquariums.com/in...in.Page....htm Would you mind recommending how much for approx 120 gallons total water volume and how often to change it out? Are reactors required for each or are a couple of bags sitting in a turbulent area sufficient to do the job? Thanks again for your advice! Chris

08/13/2010, 09:16 PM	#8
chrissu Moved On Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Tampa FL Posts: 443	Nice DIY setup! I'm glad to hear you have been down this path before with the hazy stuff. I know I'm not the only one going through this now. I'll order that dual reactor setup that James404 recommended at http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/...n-reactor.html. I'll cut back on the feeding if that is key. I'll give it a month and repost here with the results. It sounds like this problem can be fixed with these changes. Thanks James and Ron for your suggestions!

08/17/2010, 08:08 PM	#9
stevek480 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Flemington, NJ Posts: 605	I'm having the exact same problem as you. I went on vacation 2 months ago and when I came back my rocks had turned brown. I think maybe I set the feeder too high. The worst part is I upgraded around 6 months ago from a 29g and the rocks I had that were purple from the old tank are now mostly brown also. I already have a single reactor with GAC so I guess I should get another for GFO. I will be anxious to see your progress.