Re-Starting my tank

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by adrianreece, Apr 15, 2011.

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  1. adrianreece

    adrianreece Plankton

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2011
    Messages:
    11
    Location:
    Brookings, SD
    I have a 20 gal tank with live sand, some decorations and two turbo snails. I just got rid of my two puffer fish (because they kept eating the clean up crew) and I have some brown algae I have been battling for a while now. Before I add new fish I want the tank to be in good shape algae-wise. I am currently using tap water which I know now is a bad idea, and I am ordering an RO/DI unit asap. Other than doing water changes as little as possible until I have RO/DI water, what can I do to get rid of the algae?
     
    adrianreece, Apr 15, 2011
    adrianreece, Apr 15, 2011
    #1

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  2. Zechenia

    Zechenia Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

    Joined:
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    731
    Location:
    Spokane, WA
    In a 20 gallon I'd consider buying RO water from grocery stores for the waterchanges/topoffs while you wait for your RO/DI unit. With that size tank, it shouldnt be an issue. I have a 28 gallon bowfront, and I havent even bothered getting an RODI unit simply because getting 10 gallons of RO water lasts me long enough, and isn't expensive at all

    Also, I'd recommend contacting john at reefcleaners about a CuC :)
     
    Zechenia, Apr 15, 2011
    Zechenia, Apr 15, 2011
    #2
  3. pmoradi2002

    pmoradi2002 Spaghetti Worm

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2009
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    176
    Location:
    Irvine, CA
    Get a CUC from John @ ReefCleaners
     
    pmoradi2002, Apr 16, 2011
    pmoradi2002, Apr 16, 2011
    #3
  4. Jgut3

    Jgut3 Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2010
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    Location:
    Alabama
    I also agree. He is a good guy and will go out of his way to please you.
     
    Jgut3, Apr 16, 2011
    Jgut3, Apr 16, 2011
    #4
  5. Reeron

    Reeron Blue Ringed Angel

    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2008
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    1,550
    Location:
    Kingston, NY
    GFO - Granulated Ferric Oxide. It will be the easiest way to defeat Hair Algae. Order some at BulkReefSupply.com and you won't be disappointed.
     
    Reeron, Apr 16, 2011
    Reeron, Apr 16, 2011
    #5
  6. adrianreece

    adrianreece Plankton

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2011
    Messages:
    11
    Location:
    Brookings, SD
    I have been using PhosBan and it seems to be slowly working, I am now doing water changes with RO water as well, that should really help. Thank you all for your advice!
     
    adrianreece, Apr 18, 2011
    adrianreece, Apr 18, 2011
    #6

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  7. dweakl01

    dweakl01 Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2010
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    Location:
    PA
    If you don't have any fish in there, leave the lights off until your algae battle is over.
     
    dweakl01, Apr 18, 2011
    dweakl01, Apr 18, 2011
    #7
  8. adrianreece

    adrianreece Plankton

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2011
    Messages:
    11
    Location:
    Brookings, SD
    No fish, but I do have two turbo snails in there, is it okay for them not having light?
     
    adrianreece, Apr 18, 2011
    adrianreece, Apr 18, 2011
    #8
  9. cwinn

    cwinn Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2010
    Messages:
    61
    snails should be okay without light. go with the GFO in a reactor from BRS. you can try phosphate sponge for a day or two first to suck as much out as possible as well.
     
    cwinn, Apr 18, 2011
    cwinn, Apr 18, 2011
    #9