algae problem

djk83 · 11/21/2009, 06:53 PM

I have a 12 gallon aquapod after 4 or 5 months it had beautiful coraline algae. Recently it has become infested with green and red hair algae and red slime. Everything is stock only a koralia nano for added flow. Livestock is well. How do I solve my problem and can I make it the way it was before.

saleenpwr88 · 11/21/2009, 07:03 PM

What are your water parameters?

oldreefer76 · 11/21/2009, 08:13 PM

Are you using ro/di water for make up water and water changes?

djk83 · 11/22/2009, 10:59 AM

I am using ro from lfs. api test kit says nitrite,nitrate,ph,ammonia, calcium , alkalinity is good.

cjj14u · 11/22/2009, 02:26 PM

What is your lighting and how long is your photo period?
Also what and how often do you feed?

djk83 · 11/22/2009, 03:29 PM

lighting is 1 pc daylight and 1 actinic.

djk83 · 11/22/2009, 07:21 PM

I feed either mysis or flake every other.

oldreefer76 · 11/22/2009, 08:41 PM

pc lighting maybe your problem the bulbs shift spectrums quickly and at best are good for about 6 mos at 8 hrs per day, the shift can cause algae problems

djk83 · 11/23/2009, 09:02 AM

okay Ill replace the bulbs and look for a new fixture i belive it is 16.5 in so halide fixture would be hard to find. maybe a pendants or a clamp on. thanks oldreefer.

_88 · 11/23/2009, 10:00 AM

Granuar Feric Oxide is your friend for dealing with algae problems. A small bag of it in your filter compartment to help reduce phosphates can make a big difference. You may want to consider reducing/eliminating the flake food as well.

MACH5 · 11/23/2009, 10:45 AM

Are you dosing anything at the moment?

djk83 · 11/23/2009, 12:08 PM

not currently dosing

ckranz · 11/23/2009, 04:56 PM

Suck out as much as you can with a large water change. And check in to your lighting try to add some PH4 sponges.

aquaph8 · 11/23/2009, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by _88

Granuar Feric Oxide is your friend for dealing with algae problems. A small bag of it in your filter compartment to help reduce phosphates can make a big difference. You may want to consider reducing/eliminating the flake food as well.

I completely agree. Change it every week, atleast until you get your phosphates under control. Dont overfeed and maybe get a phosphate test kit. If you dont have a clean up crew that would help a little too.

11/21/2009, 06:53 PM	#1
djk83 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ma Posts: 166	algae problem I have a 12 gallon aquapod after 4 or 5 months it had beautiful coraline algae. Recently it has become infested with green and red hair algae and red slime. Everything is stock only a koralia nano for added flow. Livestock is well. How do I solve my problem and can I make it the way it was before.

11/21/2009, 07:03 PM	#2
saleenpwr88 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Roselle Posts: 2,051	What are your water parameters?

11/21/2009, 08:13 PM	#3
oldreefer76 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Fairview Park Ohio Posts: 2,452	Are you using ro/di water for make up water and water changes?

11/22/2009, 10:59 AM	#4
djk83 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ma Posts: 166	I am using ro from lfs. api test kit says nitrite,nitrate,ph,ammonia, calcium , alkalinity is good.

11/22/2009, 02:26 PM	#5
cjj14u Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Knoxville, TN Posts: 147	What is your lighting and how long is your photo period? Also what and how often do you feed?

11/22/2009, 03:29 PM	#6
djk83 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ma Posts: 166	lighting is 1 pc daylight and 1 actinic.

11/22/2009, 07:21 PM	#7
djk83 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ma Posts: 166	I feed either mysis or flake every other.

11/22/2009, 08:41 PM	#8
oldreefer76 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Fairview Park Ohio Posts: 2,452	pc lighting maybe your problem the bulbs shift spectrums quickly and at best are good for about 6 mos at 8 hrs per day, the shift can cause algae problems

11/23/2009, 09:02 AM	#9
djk83 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ma Posts: 166	okay Ill replace the bulbs and look for a new fixture i belive it is 16.5 in so halide fixture would be hard to find. maybe a pendants or a clamp on. thanks oldreefer.

11/23/2009, 10:00 AM	#10
_88 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 107	Granuar Feric Oxide is your friend for dealing with algae problems. A small bag of it in your filter compartment to help reduce phosphates can make a big difference. You may want to consider reducing/eliminating the flake food as well.

11/23/2009, 10:45 AM	#11
MACH5 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Northern Jersey Posts: 370	Are you dosing anything at the moment?

11/23/2009, 12:08 PM	#12
djk83 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ma Posts: 166	not currently dosing

11/23/2009, 04:56 PM	#13
ckranz Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Antonio TX Posts: 77	Suck out as much as you can with a large water change. And check in to your lighting try to add some PH4 sponges.