algae problems!!! need some advice please!

[jda]

Media "reactors" are pretty simple things. It is probably fine. Does TFL mean Two Little Fishies? If so, then they work OK. I have a couple. Like I said, they are simple devices - just make sure that you get all of the carbon/GFO off of the threads when you put it back together or you can get leaks. I run mine inside of my sump in case they leak. I just run carbon in mine - no GFO.

Let the turbos do their work. You should be able to see where they have cleared some ground. While they are working, then continue to change water and remove as much as you can by hand. It could take a month, but you should see improvement with the snails. Oh, are you sure that you got turbos and not astreas? Some stores sell astreas as turbos.

 

[Iskandar]

check your water - should have TDS =0-2, RODI

 

[bigworm175]

Turn your lights off for 3 days. I had major cyano issues and that totally fixed it.

 

[brewski4u1]

Media "reactors" are pretty simple things. It is probably fine. Does TFL mean Two Little Fishies? If so, then they work OK. I have a couple. Like I said, they are simple devices - just make sure that you get all of the carbon/GFO off of the threads when you put it back together or you can get leaks. I run mine inside of my sump in case they leak. I just run carbon in mine - no GFO.

Let the turbos do their work. You should be able to see where they have cleared some ground. While they are working, then continue to change water and remove as much as you can by hand. It could take a month, but you should see improvement with the snails. Oh, are you sure that you got turbos and not astreas? Some stores sell astreas as turbos.

i believe what i got were Mexican turbos but after you said that looking at LIVEAQUARIA.com they might be turban snails and maybe even astreas how can you tell the difference???

 

[jmski333]

maybe your membrane on your R/O filter is due for replacing. Just a thought

 

[brewski4u1]

dont have a RO/DI unit get my water from the LFS!!

 

[jda]

These are mexican turbo snails. They are usually about an inch, or larger, when purchased. They eat the most algae, but can knock over unsecured stuff - they are strong:
http://liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=497+526+571&pcatid=571

These are astrea snails. They are usually purchased around a half of an inch, or so. Effective, but they don't eat as much... not nearly as much.
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=497+526+1755&pcatid=1755

Most have the best success of algae reduction with the mexican turbos.

 

[EdSnyder]

dont have a RO/DI unit get my water from the LFS!!

Test the water before you put it in your tank.

 

[brewski4u1]

i have them test it at the store every couple weeks i'm pretty sure they think i'm OCD!!! lol

 

[Saltyllama]

You are on the right track. I run a two little fish reactor on my tank and I'm happy with it. The only thing I'd add is to go ahead and get some astrea snails when you can. Two will be more than enough. These guys don't get the credit they deserve, they eat a lot of algae, they are active during the day (unlike turbos), mine even ate cyano when I had it a while back!

In my opinion the key with snails is just like everything in SW aquaria, DIVERSITY! Different snails prefer different algae, so the more you have the better your chances. Even if it's one or two, you still have the chance that THEY will the type of algae you want gone.

ANSWER TO A PREVIOUS QUESTION REGARDING NEW LIGHTS
Old bulbs are a common cause of algae outbreaks. HOWEVER, upgraded lighting or even new bulbs after a long period of old bulbs can also cause an algae bloom. I can't comment on which will be worse. The only side I have experienced is the bloom from upgrading.

 

[Saltyllama]

100 posts!!!!

Party over here, F you over there!!!!!


eehhhem... Sorry about that.

 

[Paul B]

What, and exactly how much are you feeding those two clowns and the shrimp?

 

[jamesdong009]

i have switched to frozen mysis and brine and was considering trying "rods fish food" any opinions on that food??

What, and exactly how much are you feeding those two clowns and the shrimp?

I think he's feeding the fish 3 times a week. Not sure how much though.

I would just keep up with everything you're doing now. Manual removal, run GFO, cutting back on the lights, feed a little less, beefing up and diversifying your CUC. I'm pretty sure I missed a few

Remember, patience is key. Nothing in this hobby should be done too quickly.

 

[brewski4u1]

well after another water change today i'm pretty sure i'm wining the remaining algae is looking very very sick no longer green more brown and very easy to suck up ! so i'll keep on it for the next week or two! and pron gonna hold off on the reactor!

and as said above i'm feeding 2 maybe 3 times a week if the 2 clowns are looking hungry! and on how much I'm using frozen mysis and I'm feeding half a cube at most! and the clowns don't waste a bit of it lol

 

[gwainrig]

Algae

Algae

Have you considered vodka. I have been using in my tank and it really helps. You may want to do a little research on RC and give it a try.

 

[Keiki Moana]

Yea- new lights can definitely cause algae to spike...happened to me when I switched from PC to T5s.. cut my lighting schedule back 20 minutes every three days until I found a level when the growth stopped.

 

[Paul B]

Have you considered vodka. I have been using in my tank and it really helps.

Interesting, how much Vodka do you have to drink to make your tank look good? :hmm2:

 

[brewski4u1]

and what kind of vodka??

 

[jamesdong009]

and what kind of vodka??

The cheapest kind...that way you're not drinking it :lmao:

 

[sharky334]

Some good suggestions, I have the same problem, and have been battling it for months now. I just need to find what will work in my tank!