Bacterial Bloom?

Discussion in 'Algae' started by Mikeyb, Aug 22, 2015.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. Mikeyb

    Mikeyb Bristle Worm

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2014
    Messages:
    149
    Location:
    Fairview TN
    I am almost certain I am dealing with a bacterial bloom and its driving me bonkers. My skimmer is like a work horse taking so much sludge out but it is not helping, So I did a 35% water change and put my canister filter back on with coarse sponge, then purigen, and finally fine floss. Within a few days tank was great now its going back to cloudy water. I checked and cleaned the canister and purigen is still the same color as when I added it with a little brown in it so I don't think it needs changed yet. How can I make it stop? I feed several small meals a day and watch to make sure everything is eaten. Checked to see if maybe some snail died and is rotting. I can't seem to figure this out. All the fish and shrimp are doing fine. water just looks bad.
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. Droopster

    Droopster Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2010
    Messages:
    157
    Location:
    Greencastle, PA
    In reference to an earlier thread.
    Im not sure if you ever ended up with a RO/DI (I know bitting that bullet can be tough) but that could be a source of phosphates and such, if still using tap water. Also if you have a florescent bulb on top that is under 10K still that can contribute to blooms as the wavelength is better suited for macro algae (and nuisance algae) rather than corals. But I think pics would held help determine bacteria bloom or some type of algae bloom. The wiser ones on here will chime in soon enough, lol
     
  4. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2009
    Messages:
    4,551
    Location:
    Florida
    Been there a few times. Time is about all that improves it. I've tried everything.
     
    Piano10 likes this.
  5. ccardini

    ccardini Bristle Worm

    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2010
    Messages:
    128
    Location:
    Indiana
    Going off of what Droopster said, if you don't have an RODI I'd highly recommend investing in one. Single best purchase you can make. Also, pictures make help. Good luck!
     
  6. Mikeyb

    Mikeyb Bristle Worm

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2014
    Messages:
    149
    Location:
    Fairview TN
    I don't have an RODI but I do use RODI water, tank looks cloudy from the the front but worse from the side with green tint, maybe an algae? Ill post a pic from phone in a few.
     
  7. Mikeyb

    Mikeyb Bristle Worm

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2014
    Messages:
    149
    Location:
    Fairview TN
    Here's a picture. My lighting is all led and it didn't look that bad last night.
     

    Attached Files:

  8. Click Here!

  9. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2010
    Messages:
    6,344
    Location:
    Dunnellon, Florida
    Increase surface agitation for a while and don't touch anything for a couple days.I know they look bad but as long as o2 levels are maintained blooms like this should not harm the fish.mechanical filtration will help as well.It looks green in the side shot because the glass has a green tint in it.Are you growing macro algae? If so what kind?
     
  10. Mikeyb

    Mikeyb Bristle Worm

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2014
    Messages:
    149
    Location:
    Fairview TN
    No not growing anything thats just the water I had wipped the glass before hand, there is a small piece of chaeto behind some rock but you can see it in that picture. One of the power heads has an air valve I can open, will put a lot of micro bubbles in the water if that will help, also would a uv sterilizer help?
     
  11. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2010
    Messages:
    6,344
    Location:
    Dunnellon, Florida
  12. Mikeyb

    Mikeyb Bristle Worm

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2014
    Messages:
    149
    Location:
    Fairview TN
    what steps do I need to do to combat this. would uv help?