need help with algae

ryansweet · 03/01/2009, 05:44 PM

Ok I've seen a lot in here about having to much algae. I'm on the exact opposite spectrum. Had the aquarium up for about 9 months or so now. At the beginning I had decent algae growth but not over consuming the habitat. For about the last month or so I have had no brown algae growth at all. I am still getting a little coralline growth but that is slowing down now also. All my levels seem in check according to testing myself and testing at LFS. I don't use air freshener's except at the opposite end of the house where the litter box is and have an air purifier sitting about three feet from the aquarium. I have an organic hand soap that I use before touching anything that goes into the aquarium. Fish are doing fine, just no algae growth. Is this something I should worry about or am I being paranoid?

Aquarist007 · 03/01/2009, 05:50 PM

No algae----Consider your self one of the most fortunate reefers on here.

the air purifier won't bee a concern but those spray air freshners can be.

thegrun · 03/01/2009, 06:38 PM

How are your calcium and magnesium levels? I'll ship you some of my algae if you really feel like it is an issue.

faze07hd · 03/02/2009, 07:40 AM

seriously... i would never complain about not having algae and your tank is doing fine...

Wish i had your problem...

ryansweet · 03/02/2009, 04:13 PM

Seriously, anyone not ticked at me for not having algae growth. I've heard that not having algae is NOT a good thing. It shows that your aquarium is not in the good because you can't grow the one thing that is easiest to maintain.

Grun- my cal and mag levels haven't been checked because I am only doing a fish with live rock and not going for corals right now, is this something I should have checked out?

Aquarist007 · 03/02/2009, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ryansweet
Seriously, anyone not ticked at me for not having algae growth. I've heard that not having algae is NOT a good thing. It shows that your aquarium is not in the good because you can't grow the one thing that is easiest to maintain.

Grun- my cal and mag levels haven't been checked because I am only doing a fish with live rock and not going for corals right now, is this something I should have checked out?

I think the concept has been lost in the translation a bit so it has become misconception.
Lack of algae is a good sign--it shows that you tank is low in nitrates and phosphates.
Now granted--in a FOWLR that nitrates and phosphates are not as big a deal but certainly in a mixed reef tank.

03/01/2009, 05:44 PM	#1
ryansweet Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Indianapolis/Greenwood Posts: 147	need help with algae Ok I've seen a lot in here about having to much algae. I'm on the exact opposite spectrum. Had the aquarium up for about 9 months or so now. At the beginning I had decent algae growth but not over consuming the habitat. For about the last month or so I have had no brown algae growth at all. I am still getting a little coralline growth but that is slowing down now also. All my levels seem in check according to testing myself and testing at LFS. I don't use air freshener's except at the opposite end of the house where the litter box is and have an air purifier sitting about three feet from the aquarium. I have an organic hand soap that I use before touching anything that goes into the aquarium. Fish are doing fine, just no algae growth. Is this something I should worry about or am I being paranoid? __________________ I believe the purpose of life is to be happy - Dalai Lama Current Tank Info: 34gal RSM, stayed with the stock plug and play it came with for now. Pearl Bubble, Green Bird's Nest, Various Zoa's, Various Ricordia, Starry Blenny, Sixline Wrasse, Watchman Goby/Pistol symbiont on order

03/01/2009, 05:50 PM	#2
Aquarist007 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hamilton, Canada Posts: 28,240 Blog Entries: 1	No algae----Consider your self one of the most fortunate reefers on here. the air purifier won't bee a concern but those spray air freshners can be. __________________ I prefer my substrates stirred but not shaken Current Tank Info: 150gal long mixed reef, 90gal sump, 60 gal refugium with 200 lbs live rock

03/02/2009, 07:40 AM	#4
faze07hd Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Utica, Ny Posts: 914	seriously... i would never complain about not having algae and your tank is doing fine... Wish i had your problem... __________________ Harry Current Tank Info: 90 gallon reef tank

03/02/2009, 04:13 PM	#5
ryansweet Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Indianapolis/Greenwood Posts: 147	Seriously, anyone not ticked at me for not having algae growth. I've heard that not having algae is NOT a good thing. It shows that your aquarium is not in the good because you can't grow the one thing that is easiest to maintain. Grun- my cal and mag levels haven't been checked because I am only doing a fish with live rock and not going for corals right now, is this something I should have checked out? __________________ I believe the purpose of life is to be happy - Dalai Lama Current Tank Info: 34gal RSM, stayed with the stock plug and play it came with for now. Pearl Bubble, Green Bird's Nest, Various Zoa's, Various Ricordia, Starry Blenny, Sixline Wrasse, Watchman Goby/Pistol symbiont on order

03/01/2009, 06:38 PM	#3
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	How are your calcium and magnesium levels? I'll ship you some of my algae if you really feel like it is an issue.