Algae problem

[tradspirit]

I have had an ongoing problem with (1) a bloom of brown hairlike algae that has covered all my live rock. Other than removing the rock and cleaning is there anything that could chemically treat the algae w/o disrupting the fish and anemones in the tank, or introduce something that will eat the algae?? I am new to this, and am not having much luck maintaining corals (water chemistry appears to be within acceptable ranges). The tank is 45 gallons, with a hang on Ramora C skimmer that has also started (problem 2) generating sufficient microbubbles that my return to the overflow box fills w/ air, slowing the return to the sump causing the main tank to overflow. Really need some help!!

 

[weaver5]

I had a problem and it really got out of control.I upgraded my skimmer and you could see it melting away.I know nothing about your brand of skimmer so I am not saying your skimmer is bad.I also started adding B-Ionic every night helped alot and a fox face eats it.Good luck and please let me know how you make out Scott

 

[tradspirit]

Thanks. I am beginning to think that the skimmer is part of the equation as both events occurred simultaneously. What is B-Ionic and where can it be purchased?

 

[jmarzullo]

There are lots of reasons for algae and lots you can do. Don't know enough about your setup to know if you have the right gear or if it's even the problem. Before investing in a cleanup crew, (although not a bad idea), address where the nutrients are coming from first: Are you using tap water? Do you have a wet dry with dirty pads or bio balls? What else are you adding to the tank as far as additives. B-Ionis is great, but you have a nutrient issue. Just dosing B-Ionic is not the solution. How long is your photoperiod? It's not uncommon to have a bloom at 6 months.
Try this link:
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=16&cat=1789&articleid=1642

 

[tradspirit]

I am using RO water, lights are power compacts on for 8 hrs/day, and my sump is filled with live rock (no bio balls) with a filter pad that is regularly changed. All chem levels are normal. May have been overfeeding and have cut down to once every two days.

 

[jheath]

I agree, the tank sound new and a brown (diatome) algae bloom is expected....keep an eye on phosphate levels

 

[29special]

yes there is an "algea cycle" your tank will go through. But "hairy" algea all over your rock proably is a problem now if your skimmer is causing overflows then just turn your bubbler off and reduce your lighting to about 8 hour or even 7 hours.Also reduce the amount of food you put into the tank. Any extra nuteints that you have feeds that algea. It will take time but the "hair" will slowing recead. Remember 'too much of a good thing yeilds bad results'. Have fun

 

[tradspirit]

Thanks all for your replies. Feeding frequency has been reduced and lighting period reduced to 6 hours. Added some Mex blue crabs as a cleanup crew. Guess I'll just have to wait and see.

 

[ElDiabloPollo]

What type of food are you feeding?

Some flake, pellet foods and even frozen foods can be high in phospates and other bad stuff.

J

 

[mburnickas]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9374960#post9374960 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ElDiabloPollo
What type of food are you feeding?

Some flake, pellet foods and even frozen foods can be high in phospates and other bad stuff.

J

very true and I wish someone would make a list...I also feel reducing lights is not going to do much.

I have had hair algae issue, cyrano issue etc. Check lights, phos level, flow in tank, feedings, water (TDS) etc. most time it is not one sigle thing; it is a mix.

 

[christa]

Also make sure you have enough flow, no dead spots at bottom. Water circulation is very important as well.