algae

[TheApprentice]

hey guys. I have a 12 gal nano that has tots of coralline algae growing and pretty much none of any of the bad ones.

My other 29 gallon tank has lots of green and brown that has been growing since i started the lights back on (the tank was a fish only and I rarely turned the lights on)

The tank is cycled and I have phosban running. I also have a powerhead making sure the surface is getting plenty of movement for gas exchange.

Any ideas or advice?

thanks!

-JON

 

[Reef Bass]

Hi Jon. Nice meeting you and your father at the meeting.

Algae is often an issue with younger tanks. A few thoughts that bubbled up after reading your posting:

What is the source of your water? If you're using tapwater, you're introducing algae nutrients. RO/DI it.

Fish poop turns into algae fertilizer. Are you skimming the tank to remove nitrogenous waste compounds?

Do you have filter materials (floss, foam, socks, etc.) that are trapping organic debris and becoming sources of nitrates? Best to not rely on them continuously.

Do you have an adequate clean up crew? Snails and hermits can really do some serious algae control.

I've also heard it recommended to use a foam algae scraper and to wring it out (outside the tank) between swipes on the glass. Not only does this remove the visible algae, but it prevents the cloud of scraped algae from becoming available as nutrients for growing algae.

I'm sure others have suggestions too. Good luck with it!

Ken

 

[TikiDan]

how long have the lights been back on? I replaced my MH bulbs a few months ago after a year and a half and it caused an algae bloom. It should go away on it's own, just let it run it's course.

 

[TheApprentice]

yeah nice to meet you too ken.

I am skimming, using ro/di. I need to get a serious clean up crew! I used to have some, but they died for some reason.

I got some snails from this one place on lombard in the city and they are great.

the stores in the city are awesome like ocean treasures and the one right off the bridge.

thanks guys. I am just adding calcium and purple up to try and get coralline to cover the rocks for now.

 

[TheApprentice]

oh and nice to meet you Dan! haha sorry i meant to say that in the last post.

 

[TikiDan]

I find the best prices on clean up crew at aquatic central on ocean ave. in SF

worth the drive to check out

 

[TikiDan]

good to meet ya too! Hows that macro look in your tank? got a pic yet?