Green Film Algae **Updated 5/9/14**

Discussion in 'Algae' started by flynhawaiianz28, Apr 21, 2014.

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  1. flynhawaiianz28

    flynhawaiianz28 Purple Spiny Lobster

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    That's exactly what I was thinking. I have been looking into the Tunze 9002 since everything will be going into my new tank here soon which is rimless and the tank that everything is in now will be getting a fu manchu lionfish ;D but that's a different story. While I was doing some searching around the forum I read about a UV Sterilizer possibly helping. Would anyone recommend a UV sterilizer at all? I didn't really have plans to run one but doesn't seem like a terrible idea The JBJ inline uv sterilizer found on Marine Depot doesn't seem too bad as long as the pump is rated properly so the flow isn't too great and the water gets the right amount of time in the sterilizer.
     
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  3. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    Personally, Ive never used one. I believe that anything good attributed to a UV sterilizer is pure coincidence (although I always start an argument by saying so... lol). I will say that they are mostly harmless for the same reason- once you get the flow low enough for it to work, not much is going to get pulled in.
     
  4. flynhawaiianz28

    flynhawaiianz28 Purple Spiny Lobster

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    yeah my preference would be to run without one honestly. Only reason I thought of running one was to kill the algae that may be floating in the water but for now I'm gonna hold off. I'm going to pick up a skimmer for sure but I should take my water in and have it tested right now since I don't have test kits at the moment.
     
  5. flynhawaiianz28

    flynhawaiianz28 Purple Spiny Lobster

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    Green Film Algae **Update 5/9/14**

    Alright guys and gals, thought I would try and give an update instead of starting a new thread and see what you opinions are. So after my tank caught ich a few weeks back my fish have been QT'd for now (except for the mandarin and that's another story) so basically my tank is sitting fallow (somewhat) with the inverts, coral, and a mandarin in there. Now some of you may be wondering what this has to do with in relation to green film algae. I will explain. So my DT has been setup with a cutout plexiglass top for the longest time to allow for proper lighting and prevent fish jumping out. It was on there when I was running a T5 and this tank has been going for about 6 years now. The cutout has seen some equipment changes and has a few gaps in it but is still very usable. BUT, when my fish caught ich I removed it from the DT and put it over the QT/HT so that I didn't have to worry about any of my fish going carpet surfing :p Now what I find odd is that just after a few weeks, my green hair algae has almost disappeared! I can attribute this to several factors but I want to see what one you guys think is the biggest reason for this. Is it the fact that by bio-load dropped super low from 5 fish to one in the DT? Is it the fact that I have been using microbacter7 here and there? Orrrrr what I seem to be thinking is the main culprit is the fact that removing the plexiglass top is allowing in proper gas exchange/reduction thus the reduction in green film algae. Opinions? :confused:
     
  6. Blarghensplargh

    Blarghensplargh Astrea Snail

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    Is it possible that the improved gas exchange is causing the CO2 levels to be too low to sustain the algae? I'm not sure, but it's an interesting idea. Chances are it's mostly due to the decreased bioload.
     
  7. Sataly

    Sataly Coral Banded Shrimp

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    Im going with thw bioload but like stated above it could be gas exchange. How ever 5 fish is a bit much for a 20. I personally would put no more then 3.
     
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  9. flynhawaiianz28

    flynhawaiianz28 Purple Spiny Lobster

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    Yeah I am pushing it with 5 but I will split that up cause I have a new 20 gallon pico tank available once it is done cycling. It is nice not having to deal with the film algae on a consistent basis but I will see what I can attribute it to soon.