Algae Help

ticklesworth · 04/08/2010, 04:20 PM

Hey I have these two different types of algae which keep coming back not matter how many times i clean off the rocks and glass. I'm using phosphate removers and running a decent skimmer, but I can't seem to control it. Can someone help me?

cham · 04/08/2010, 04:27 PM

Both look like they could be bacterial based algea like cyano.

What foods are you typically feeding? Are you carbon dosing?

More info on your tank, husbandry and inhabitants.

SleepyMike · 04/08/2010, 04:40 PM

Maybe try a little more flow in your tank. I had some red slime and put more flow. It helped.

liz62 · 04/08/2010, 04:40 PM

it is cyano.
How much flow do you have in your tank?
Are you using RO/DI for your water source?
When you say you are "using phosphate removers" what do you mean? Do you have a phosphate reactor where you can actively run the GFO?
Also, if you can run your skimmer a little on the wet side it will help to expiate the excess nutrient removal.

STiTCH87 · 04/08/2010, 04:46 PM

Often flow won't affect cyano much, and an increased flow will only make a mat of cyano flake up and roll around. If your flow is low then that may be where t came from, but won't get rid of it. Only use RO/DI water, including for top off.

How old is your tank? If it's new you may have to wait up to 3 months before it goes away.

There are some red slime removing chemicals out there. I forget the good brand but it's something like AlgaeFix or whatever. Comes in a blue box and is power based but is 100% natural and reef/invert safe.

SleepyMike · 04/08/2010, 04:59 PM

I think adding flow and manuely removing it is better than putting chemicals in your tank. You can use a syphon hose and a tooth brush. It will take a while but should help.

ticklesworth · 04/08/2010, 05:50 PM

I'm using GFO in my canister filter w/ carbon inserts as well. I have pretty good flow considering I have such a small tank for my filter, and I have a hang-on skimmer. So far I have been sucking the nastiness off whenever I do water changes. I want to avoid using chemicals. Maybe its just me, but that seems hazardous. I guess I'll just keep doing what I have been and hope in time it will work itself out of the tank. Thanks guys.

04/08/2010, 04:20 PM	#1
ticklesworth Dingo Daddy Slim Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 24	Algae Help Hey I have these two different types of algae which keep coming back not matter how many times i clean off the rocks and glass. I'm using phosphate removers and running a decent skimmer, but I can't seem to control it. Can someone help me?

04/08/2010, 04:27 PM	#2
cham Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Winter Garden, FL Posts: 3,632	Both look like they could be bacterial based algea like cyano. What foods are you typically feeding? Are you carbon dosing? More info on your tank, husbandry and inhabitants. __________________ The more I learn about reefing the less I know. Current Tank Info: -SPS-120g Rimless Starfire, Garage sump/equip room with rimless frag tank, reefkeeper & Apex Jr, Reeflo Super Dart Gold return, ATI Powermodule, four Vortech MP40's, SRO XP3000 cone w/self cleaning head, two reefbrite LED, AF three part balling

04/08/2010, 04:40 PM	#3
SleepyMike Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 88	Maybe try a little more flow in your tank. I had some red slime and put more flow. It helped. __________________ Smile! Life is good! Current Tank Info: Building a 25 aqua system

04/08/2010, 04:59 PM	#6
SleepyMike Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 88	I think adding flow and manuely removing it is better than putting chemicals in your tank. You can use a syphon hose and a tooth brush. It will take a while but should help. __________________ Smile! Life is good! Current Tank Info: Building a 25 aqua system

04/08/2010, 04:40 PM	#4
liz62 Zeohead Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 394	it is cyano. How much flow do you have in your tank? Are you using RO/DI for your water source? When you say you are "using phosphate removers" what do you mean? Do you have a phosphate reactor where you can actively run the GFO? Also, if you can run your skimmer a little on the wet side it will help to expiate the excess nutrient removal.

04/08/2010, 04:46 PM	#5
STiTCH87 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Taunton, Massachusetts Posts: 112	Often flow won't affect cyano much, and an increased flow will only make a mat of cyano flake up and roll around. If your flow is low then that may be where t came from, but won't get rid of it. Only use RO/DI water, including for top off. How old is your tank? If it's new you may have to wait up to 3 months before it goes away. There are some red slime removing chemicals out there. I forget the good brand but it's something like AlgaeFix or whatever. Comes in a blue box and is power based but is 100% natural and reef/invert safe.

04/08/2010, 05:50 PM	#7
ticklesworth Dingo Daddy Slim Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 24	I'm using GFO in my canister filter w/ carbon inserts as well. I have pretty good flow considering I have such a small tank for my filter, and I have a hang-on skimmer. So far I have been sucking the nastiness off whenever I do water changes. I want to avoid using chemicals. Maybe its just me, but that seems hazardous. I guess I'll just keep doing what I have been and hope in time it will work itself out of the tank. Thanks guys.