algae...help!!!!

[meisel1]

My 100 gal fowlr tank has been running for five weeks now, my water parameters are amonia 0 nitrite 0 nitrate 0 the ph is 8.2 temp is 78 calcium is around 400 ppm. My problem is a mist of algae that covers the glass. It is very thin and comes off easily but has me no less conserned as I have to clean it every 2 days. The tank also has 230 watts cp lights on for about 15 hours a day [from 6am to 9pm]. I also have 21 snails 11 hermits a lawnmower blennie royal gramma four green chromis and a blue headed wrasse. Any suggestions would be greatly appreacited.

 

[meisel1]

p.s to last post

p.s to last post

I forgot to mention that my water is RO and there is 120 lbs live rock on a 2 1/2 inch deep aragonite bed. there are 3 powerheads and a aquaclear 300 for water movement plus a skimmer and a rena xp300 canister for mechanical filtration.

 

[tulkas71]

No expert here, but 15 hours seems like waay too long? I would cut back to like 8 hours for a while maybe even 6 for a while and see if that improves things.

 

[meisel1]

Tulkas..would six or eight hours be to short for button and star polyps and should they be o.k.

 

[shan820]

8 hours is plenty. How long do you figure corals get direct lighting in the ocean? Especially on cloudy days right?! Film algae on the glass is actually quite common. Pick up a big mag-float. I'm surprised your snails arent taking care of the job. Maybe 21 isnt enough for the amount of glass you have. What kind do you have? Try turbos, they are powerhouses.

 

[Porkibear]

I have the same problem with the algae "film" on my tank sides...

try more frequent water changes
less feeding
more turbo snails
less lighting time
algae scraper


HAPPY SCRAPING. =)

 

[meisel1]

thanks for the tips, as far as the snails go they start with an A buts thats all I remember, and water changes I do once a week{10 %]. I guess now i'll pick up a good timer and set it for eight hours and see how it goes. Thanks again for the help.....

 

[bertoni]

Astraea?

If the tank is new, the algal growth might settle down as the live rock gets into full swing, or whatever actually happens as the tank matures. The pointers on feeding are also apropos, IME.

 

[tulkas71]

8 is plenty

Also when the green algae dies down, you might start seeing brown colored algae on the glass next, this will pass as well.
but theyll alway be some glass cleaning... Kinda like Sisyphus(sp)
:lol: