Algae!! I've gotta do something!!

[mangelo]

Ok guys, regardless of the fact that my RO / DI unit is on the way I still have to scrape this stuff off the glass. It just looks hideous!!

When I start scraping do I have to get it out of the tank or can I let the filter grab it? I am 1/2 tempted to START OVER WITH 100% RO / DI WATER!!

I am going to be knocking corals around if I try to get all the glass with a scraper!!

Someone help me before I use a sledge hammer instead of a scraper!!

:mad2:

 

[sps1-2-b]

How old/new is the tank? Multiple water changes with ro/di over the next few weeks and possibly a phosban reactor will eventually solve the algae problem. Phosphates and silicates are fueling the algae. Do you have corals in the reef tank yet? Reason why I ask is if you have established sps corals then you may want to start slowly with the phosban reactor to prevent shocking the sps.

 

[mangelo]

I do have corals in the tank. They are doing ok. My bubble has not been looking too good though.

Are you saying I don't have to scrape it off?

 

[sps1-2-b]

What type of algae is it, hair algae? Would it come off with a magnet cleaner? How soon does it come back once you scrape/clean the glass? What I'm saying is that if it's once a week then sounds normal, but if you're having to clean the glass every day then something is fueling the nuisance algae.

 

[mangelo]

I have hair algae on the rocks, a carpet of it on the back glass. Once the MH kick on I have to run the magnet cleaner over it. That stuff is just like a light film, but it is every day.

I assumed since I wasn't using RO / DI for quite some time that I was paying the price now. My tank is only 2.5 months old.

 

[sps1-2-b]

2.5 mos is still relatively new. I am betting on that you would benefit from a phosban reactor or incorporating chaeto in a refugium if you have one. Plus the ro/di once it comes will be a huge difference. Be patient and I think you will beat the algae. Yeah you're right, not using ro/di is prolly catching up to you now. Hang in there.

 

[Logzor]

Well the good news is that algae is taking care of the pollution in your tank so its kind of protecting your corals, so long as they are not smothered. I would scrape the glass after you start phasing in ro/di water.

In my opinion you want the algae to do its work and take out the bad stuff. One ro/di water goes in it will start to die off, this is when you want to start scraping, so these pollutions do not get back into your tank.

Just be patient and you'll be amazing how nice your tank looks in a few weeks.

 

[CookieJar]

I agree- patience is the key. I just won 2 algae battles- green algae and cotton candy algae. The key thing was getting grazers- foxface for the green algae and turbos for the cotton candy. try 1 or 2 turbos or a foxface if you get too frustrated and let them do the work for you.

 

[BeesGoneWild]

Phosban reactor is a key ingredient to battling algae. Heres a list of other things you can do
http://www.brettsreef.com/index.php/tips-on-battling-nuisance-algae-in-the-marine-aquarium/

 

[mangelo]

Great info guys. Thanks.

I have 10 red and 50 blue leg hermits and 75 cerith snails coming tomorrow.

That is a relief that the algae is keeping that bad stuff out for now.

Made my night.