Newbie mistake....

stpauli914 · 12/12/2008, 05:28 PM

I've been using treated tapwater for top-offs until recently. I am in the process of getting an RO/DI and until then I am using distilled water from the grocery store for top-offs. I have always purchased saltwater from the LFS for my water changes and that would probably explain why my tank looks best right after a WC. My question is, what can I do to eliminate/slowly reduce my algae problems? Weekly water changes for a couple months? One large water change? Any advice would be appreciated. The algae I have is mostly the Cyano/red slime variety. I have never had much of a problem with green/hair algaes. I have realized my rookie mistake and am working to correct the problem.

Thanks,
Aaron

melvinudawl · 12/12/2008, 05:40 PM

Have any livestock yet? If not, you could just prep a full replacement for the current water, I did that after using tap initally to cure the rock. If you have livestock, I'd think you'd want to maintain a bit more stability and do it in 25% increments or so. You won't get everything the tap water introduced out that way, but you'll dilute it to the point it becomes irrelevant after a few large water changes.

stpauli914 · 12/12/2008, 05:47 PM

Thanks. Yes, I have livestock. I am actually getting ready to go from a 75gal. into a 125gal. with a big sump. so i will adding aprox. 70 gallons of new saltwater with the change over. This will be about the same as a 50% water change I would guess?? Hoping it does the trick. Any further suggestions are appreciated!!

Aaron

FishNFun · 12/12/2008, 05:52 PM

Hey, there! Depending on how long you've been using tap water you may have some trapped phospates in your rock. I'd add a reactor with some GFO, keep up with the water changes and make sure you've got a good clean up crew. Good luck.

stpauli914 · 12/12/2008, 05:59 PM

Hey Fish! Now that I have the skimmer its gonna be a busy weekend! I better get my ducks in a row

Thanks for the advice.

Aaron

beachbumva · 12/12/2008, 08:33 PM

Agree with fish , clean up crews can be expensive, boring to most but a needed neccessity agree also with the build up of trapped phosphates in the rock. Long run you will save loads of money by making your own rodi and salt mix so it will pay for itself in no time, cheers m8

12/12/2008, 05:28 PM	#1
stpauli914 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Clearwater/Dunedin Posts: 1,990	Newbie mistake.... I've been using treated tapwater for top-offs until recently. I am in the process of getting an RO/DI and until then I am using distilled water from the grocery store for top-offs. I have always purchased saltwater from the LFS for my water changes and that would probably explain why my tank looks best right after a WC. My question is, what can I do to eliminate/slowly reduce my algae problems? Weekly water changes for a couple months? One large water change? Any advice would be appreciated. The algae I have is mostly the Cyano/red slime variety. I have never had much of a problem with green/hair algaes. I have realized my rookie mistake and am working to correct the problem. Thanks, Aaron __________________ Thanks Reef Central!!! Current Tank Info: 240 Gallon Mixed Reef Miracles Custom 72x30x25 Starfire, COR20 RD3 80W, BK Alpha 200, MP40QD's, Radion G4 Pros * 80 Gallon Deep Blue Rimless SPS Dominant 48x24x16 Starfire, RD5 ECO, BK Mini 160, MP40QD's, Radion Gen4 Pros* Apex Controlled

12/12/2008, 05:47 PM	#3
stpauli914 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Clearwater/Dunedin Posts: 1,990	Thanks. Yes, I have livestock. I am actually getting ready to go from a 75gal. into a 125gal. with a big sump. so i will adding aprox. 70 gallons of new saltwater with the change over. This will be about the same as a 50% water change I would guess?? Hoping it does the trick. Any further suggestions are appreciated!! Aaron __________________ Thanks Reef Central!!! Current Tank Info: 240 Gallon Mixed Reef Miracles Custom 72x30x25 Starfire, COR20 RD3 80W, BK Alpha 200, MP40QD's, Radion G4 Pros * 80 Gallon Deep Blue Rimless SPS Dominant 48x24x16 Starfire, RD5 ECO, BK Mini 160, MP40QD's, Radion Gen4 Pros* Apex Controlled

12/12/2008, 05:59 PM	#5
stpauli914 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Clearwater/Dunedin Posts: 1,990	Hey Fish! Now that I have the skimmer its gonna be a busy weekend! I better get my ducks in a row Thanks for the advice. Aaron __________________ Thanks Reef Central!!! Current Tank Info: 240 Gallon Mixed Reef Miracles Custom 72x30x25 Starfire, COR20 RD3 80W, BK Alpha 200, MP40QD's, Radion G4 Pros * 80 Gallon Deep Blue Rimless SPS Dominant 48x24x16 Starfire, RD5 ECO, BK Mini 160, MP40QD's, Radion Gen4 Pros* Apex Controlled

12/12/2008, 05:40 PM	#2
melvinudawl Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: CT Posts: 180	Have any livestock yet? If not, you could just prep a full replacement for the current water, I did that after using tap initally to cure the rock. If you have livestock, I'd think you'd want to maintain a bit more stability and do it in 25% increments or so. You won't get everything the tap water introduced out that way, but you'll dilute it to the point it becomes irrelevant after a few large water changes.

12/12/2008, 05:52 PM	#4
FishNFun Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 521	Hey, there! Depending on how long you've been using tap water you may have some trapped phospates in your rock. I'd add a reactor with some GFO, keep up with the water changes and make sure you've got a good clean up crew. Good luck.

12/12/2008, 08:33 PM	#6
beachbumva Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Hampton, Va Posts: 104	Agree with fish , clean up crews can be expensive, boring to most but a needed neccessity agree also with the build up of trapped phosphates in the rock. Long run you will save loads of money by making your own rodi and salt mix so it will pay for itself in no time, cheers m8