Algea question

[mistya55]

Hi there. I have had my tank running for 5 weeks now and all is going well except for the purplish red algea taking over. All of my parameters is within normal range. I have 5 astrea snails, 4 hermit crabs, 1 emerald crab. I have 2 yellow tailed damsels and 1 occeleris clown. Would a larger cleanup crew help? I don't think its over-feeding, I am very careful to make sure I only feed what they eat. My lights are on for 12 and off 12. I have a double t-5 ho fixture with moonlights. I am going to add a pic in case that helps.

Thanks, Misty

 

[Reefman29]

The algae is just part of the new tank maturation process. The reason your parameters are okay is because the algae is absorbing the nutrients. A larger clean up crew will help. How big is your tank?

 

[mistya55]

Its a 20L. I was trying to edit so I can fix the pics. If its nothing I am doing wrong I can just wait it out. Thanks for replying...

 

[mistya55]

OK got the pics in finally. Theres still alot I want to do. It's a work in progress. I want to eventually have alot more zoas and live rock. I am looking for an anemone at the moment. I heard of a lfs in athens AL I believe and want to go check them out.

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

You can cut back on your lighting,this kind of algea is common in new setups.Do regular water changes and you can increase your clean up crew.

 

[techdiver]

I wouldn't rush things just yet. In reefkeeping it is best to take things slowly. Adding things a little at a time gives your bacteria time to accommodate the heavier biological load. When you do a water change, you can position the tubing near the red slime and it will pull it out with your drained water.

I would definitely add a cleanup crew. I use scarlet hemits, cerith snails, stomotellas, and nassarius snails. I did have a couple Trochus snails that did an awesome job.

 

[techdiver]

Oh, I just noticed you already have a cleanup crew. You could just add a few certith snails and maybe a few more hermits. The ceriths will breed in your tank to replenish any that may die. I've had very good luck with them.

 

[mistya55]

I will probably go by and see Bruce tomorrow for some more snails and hermits. I will be doing a water change tomorrow and maybe I can get some of the algea up that way too.

 

[pjbusby]

You may want to try some chemi-pure elite. You can put it in your sump or in a HOB filter if that is what you have. Just put it in anywhere there is high water movement. This stuff has always worked well for me. Just ask Bruce, a half unit should do. I would also add a filter pad to that if you have a HOB filter. I would hold off on the anemone until your tank becomes more stable. How much live rock do you have?

 

[mistya55]

I have 12lbs of live rock, the rest is base rock. I do have an hob and it is a marineland with 2 of the filters and the 2 you dont change in the front. I plan on getting more live rock soon. I have been watching craigslist, hoping to come across a good deal. I went to see Bruce today and got 5 more snails and 4 more hermits. I have to go back to Lexington tomorrow so I will stop and ask him about the chemi-pure. Thanks for the advice.