alge problem

cdh9400t · 05/23/2006, 04:34 PM

hi i have a 65 gal tank with a 10 gal sump, 88lbs of live rock. my specific gravity is 1.023, calcium is 360, ph is 8.2, and alkalinity always stays 300ppm+. I am getting an abundance of hair alge, and a weird red spot on my substrate that disapears when my lights are off, but comes back when they are on. If anyone can help please. This tank has been up for almost 4 months.

socalreefer73 · 05/23/2006, 05:03 PM

How much nitrate/phosphate? Are you using RO water or tap?

If that's supposed to be a reef tank, I think you're a little low on calcium...

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm

Danster · 05/23/2006, 05:48 PM

What are your Phosphate and Nitrate levels? These are among the greatest reason anyone has algae. How is your skimming? Are you getting alot out?

cdh9400t · 05/23/2006, 07:20 PM

nitrates are about zero, phosphates not to sure of, i am currently using my tap water (well) that my local pet store said would be fine, and as for my protein skimmer I think there might be something wrong with it, because it doesnt pull out very much. and im still trying to get my calcium level up. its not a reef tank yet, but i want it to be. I want to get things balanced first.

socalreefer73 · 05/23/2006, 10:07 PM

Never put 100% faith in your local fish store -- they can't stay in business if they don't sell you stuff and keep you in the hobby. I'm not sure what sorts of metals/minerals and at what levels are allowable for human consumption.

Most people with reef setups use ro/di water. It's almost universal, you may want to think about that. Also, you may want to get a report for your well water to find out just what is in it. Personally, I wouldn't trust well water.

What kind of skimmer do you have? How often do you have to empty the cup?

cdh9400t · 05/24/2006, 04:19 PM

im not sure on the brand of skimmer, it came in the sump when i bought it. it really doent collect alot, just alittle thick green and brown crap.

omni2226 · 05/24/2006, 04:41 PM

Thick green and brown gunk is what you want the skimmer to pull out. 4 to 8 ounces a day ( about a coffee cup full)

As for the well water...people have been using well water for thousands of years. It may be a good idea to test it yourself to make sure its low in phosphate and iron.

The res spots sound like cyanobacteria also known as blugreen alga. You may need to increase the flow of water, or redirect a powerhead/pump to keep the gunk/fishpoop stirre up so it can get sucked out by the skimmer.

05/23/2006, 04:34 PM	#1
cdh9400t Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: uniontown, ohio Posts: 81	alge problem hi i have a 65 gal tank with a 10 gal sump, 88lbs of live rock. my specific gravity is 1.023, calcium is 360, ph is 8.2, and alkalinity always stays 300ppm+. I am getting an abundance of hair alge, and a weird red spot on my substrate that disapears when my lights are off, but comes back when they are on. If anyone can help please. This tank has been up for almost 4 months.

05/24/2006, 04:41 PM	#7
omni2226 Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Middle Florida Posts: 774	Thick green and brown gunk is what you want the skimmer to pull out. 4 to 8 ounces a day ( about a coffee cup full) As for the well water...people have been using well water for thousands of years. It may be a good idea to test it yourself to make sure its low in phosphate and iron. The res spots sound like cyanobacteria also known as blugreen alga. You may need to increase the flow of water, or redirect a powerhead/pump to keep the gunk/fishpoop stirre up so it can get sucked out by the skimmer. __________________ I know enough to know I know nothing. Current Tank Info: 55 Marine. 29 Freshwater planted.

05/23/2006, 05:03 PM	#2
socalreefer73 Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: San Diego, Ca. Posts: 821	How much nitrate/phosphate? Are you using RO water or tap? If that's supposed to be a reef tank, I think you're a little low on calcium... http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm

05/23/2006, 05:48 PM	#3
Danster Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Georgia Posts: 161	What are your Phosphate and Nitrate levels? These are among the greatest reason anyone has algae. How is your skimming? Are you getting alot out?

05/23/2006, 07:20 PM	#4
cdh9400t Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: uniontown, ohio Posts: 81	nitrates are about zero, phosphates not to sure of, i am currently using my tap water (well) that my local pet store said would be fine, and as for my protein skimmer I think there might be something wrong with it, because it doesnt pull out very much. and im still trying to get my calcium level up. its not a reef tank yet, but i want it to be. I want to get things balanced first.

05/23/2006, 10:07 PM	#5
socalreefer73 Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: San Diego, Ca. Posts: 821	Never put 100% faith in your local fish store -- they can't stay in business if they don't sell you stuff and keep you in the hobby. I'm not sure what sorts of metals/minerals and at what levels are allowable for human consumption. Most people with reef setups use ro/di water. It's almost universal, you may want to think about that. Also, you may want to get a report for your well water to find out just what is in it. Personally, I wouldn't trust well water. What kind of skimmer do you have? How often do you have to empty the cup?

05/24/2006, 04:19 PM	#6
cdh9400t Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: uniontown, ohio Posts: 81	im not sure on the brand of skimmer, it came in the sump when i bought it. it really doent collect alot, just alittle thick green and brown crap.