Algae problem

Discussion in 'Algae' started by colcol79, Sep 5, 2010.

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  1. colcol79

    colcol79 Feather Duster

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    Ok ive changed my light bulbs (twin T5s) ,
    ive checked for po4 and NO3 both show 0 mg/l.
    i do weekly water changes (r/o water)
    ive checked the ro water for po4 and no3 also (zero)
    I have macro algae (caulerpa) growing in the main tank, to help with nitrates.
    I dont feed the fish too much (maybe 3-4 times a week)
    I have 2 common clowns and a lawnmower blennie, so not over stocked.
    i run active carbon and po4 removal media (in a reactor) and i have a good protien skimmer.

    ........SO WHY IS MY TANK STILL 90% GREEN WITH ALGAE?????

    PLEASE ADVISE, HELP, TEACH!!
     

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  3. NASAGeek

    NASAGeek Eyelash Blennie

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    First, your list is clearly a great start. Here is my checklist and you've done most of it.

    You've also got a ton of cyanobacteria in those pictures.

    So, these suggestions are weak because you are doing the right stuff....

    1) Clean the algae and cyano out by hand as much as possible. That is nutrient export as well.
    2) Flow... adding flow is regarded by some to help with cyano but not proven.
    3) Chaeto versus caulerpa. Not algae related but be careful is caulerpa spawning in your tank.
    4) RO or RO/DI water?
    5) Lighting schedule? How many hours a day do you have your lights on?

    Not the strongest set of suggestions.... because you are attacking the right things.

    It looks like you are certainly limiting nutrient sources. Nutrient export is where I'd start. How much skimmate is your skimmer producing??

    Wish I could help you more.

    M
     
  4. Reeron

    Reeron Blue Ringed Angel

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    Clean up crew (snails and/or hermit crabs)? You need a clean up crew if you don't have one. Go to Reefcleaners.org and do the custom clean up crew form. John will email you back with an appropriate sized crew for your situation.

    You need to remove the unwanted algae by hand to help get the phosphate/nitrates (the ones locked up in the algae) out of the tank. Even though they test zero, they are definitely still there, otherwise you wouldn't be getting that much green algae growth. You are getting a false negative as the algae is consuming as fast as it's showing up, and it's not registering on your tests. I would also either feed less (1/2 as much food per feeding), or less often. I feed 2 times a week,and have been on that schedule for the last 10 years. The fish will be fine as long as you feed them enough that they can eat it all in less than 2 minutes. Anymore than that and you are over feeding.

    What's your dkH (Carbonate hardness), Magnesium, and Calcium levels? Nuisance algae prefers softer water (less Calcium and dkH), so having appropriate levels with slow down their growth some. I keep mine at 10-11 dkH, 1400-1450 ppm Magnesium, and 440-460 ppm Calcium. The Magnesium level is what helps to keep the dKH and Calcium from precipitating, so keeping it above natural seawater levels is a good idea. Natural seawater is about 1320 ppm Magnesium.
     
  5. Reeron

    Reeron Blue Ringed Angel

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    That's actually a very strong suggestion. Not weak at all. That would be my number one option.
     
  6. NASAGeek

    NASAGeek Eyelash Blennie

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    Thanks. It just isn't the "root cause" of what got him in this situation. I liked your ideas on CuC and dKH, etc. I am going to add those to my checklist.

    M
     
  7. colcol79

    colcol79 Feather Duster

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    Thanks for the reply mate,

    My lights are on for around 8 hours a day,
    I will add more flow.
    Excuse my ignorance but whats the pros and cons of cheato over caulerpa and if caulerpa is spawning is that bad?

    what macro algae is this?? (see attached photo):confused:
     

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  9. colcol79

    colcol79 Feather Duster

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    Hi mate thanks for the reply,

    My carbonate hardness is at 13 dkH, and my calcium is 500 ppm.
    is this bad/good?
     
  10. NASAGeek

    NASAGeek Eyelash Blennie

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    That is chaeto.
     
  11. colcol79

    colcol79 Feather Duster

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    Also my cuc consists of 20 or so hermit crabs and i add more every week.
    I dont like snails, i had a load of turbos and they kept dying on me.
     
  12. NASAGeek

    NASAGeek Eyelash Blennie

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    dKH and Ca are fine... a bit high, but fine.

    I would do the manual removal for sure.

    Tell us more about your system. Filters? Possible traps in your system where "stuff" is accumulating? How much skimmate is your skimmer producing?

    M