How do I control algae

Discussion in 'Algae' started by David marabella, Oct 16, 2015.

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  1. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    Did you splice the TDS meter onto the RODI? Any reason why u put it on the input.
     
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  3. David marabella

    David marabella Astrea Snail

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    No it was like that when I bought it . This TDS meter measures inflow and outflow that's why it's on both sides
     
  4. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    I was just curious if there was a need to measure the tap water. I just spliced my dual meter onto the post membrane line and post DI line so that I can tell when each need replacing. My pressure gauge is post carbon filters so I know when they are clogged and need to be replaced.
     
  5. David marabella

    David marabella Astrea Snail

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    That sounds like food idea. I am going to try that. Thanks for the tip
     
  6. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    Also, try lights out for 3 days- that will help too.
     
  7. David marabella

    David marabella Astrea Snail

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    Can do that most of my coral need the light to live
     
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  9. Jim Bonds

    Jim Bonds Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    I have a biocube as well. If you don't have a phosphate kit, I'd suggest picking one up and testing that. You should have two shelves in chamber two. I placed a filter on the top and a bag with Seachem Matrix and Phosguard on the bottom shelf. Also, in chamber three there is a spot for a thick sponge at the bottom where the water comes from chamber two. If you don't have a mechanical filter in there then I'd suggest that as well.

    The light's, both internal and HQI, that the Biocubes come with should be fine. I use a Kessil A160w tuna because I love the shimmer, color control, and it doesn't get hot like the HQI.

    As was suggested before, you need to find the nutrient source and eliminate it. I strongly suspect phosphate in your case. Over feeding can cause a rise in nutrients as well. I doubt you need to feed twice a day. I'd cut back to once a day at most. I think you can cut back to once every two days until you get your nutrient levels down and you may want to strongly consider that.

    Also, a strong cleanup crew is a must. If you don't enough, I'd run up to your LFS and pick up more hermit crabs and snails. I have 12 crabs, 2 astrea, 2 trochus, and 2 cerith.
     
  10. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    No problem. It should help prevent unneeded replacement of filters, membranes and resin.
     
  11. David marabella

    David marabella Astrea Snail

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    Thanks all this info is very helpful. I do appreciate it
     
  12. Piano10

    Piano10 Aiptasia Anemone

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    Filter media sponges often lead to nutrient issues. Most just use filter floss which is replaced weekly or twice a week, and carbon. Purigen and phosguard are used when/if needed.

    I don't see a lot of algae in your pics. I see a bit on the rocks. Its doesn't look like hair algae just regular green algae. algae grows in the ocean and is part of the ecosystem.
    The tank is relatively new and will go through many different algaes.

    Feeding once a day is good enough and only enough thats gone within a minute.

    Get some trochus snails and a few scarlet hermits.