Obviously keeping up with this tank is more difficult than I originally thought. I have the 29gallon TBS package, but have only the first half of my rock. I've had it since last August. Lately though, i have been fighting a loosing battle against algea. My tank is overrun with green, red, and brown algea. The only thing i have chipping away at it is some cone shaped snails and some sea irchins. I have purchased an RO/DI unit and am going to install it soon. Other than doing that can anyone give some suggestions. Im getting irritated with it. Would the presence of the the "critter" for the package deminish the algea population?
Algea tank
- Thread starter cappn
- Start date
docklink
New member
The clean-up crew would probably make a big difference. There are several things that would help in knowing though. What are your current parameters:
Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, Phospate, pH, and lighting (with schedule) Are you skimming or filtering in some manner? Are you using tap water or buying distilled/RO water? (Definately get your RO/DI unit up and running if you are using tap water) How often and how much are you changing water?
The clean-up crew will eat and help to reduce any algae but will also excreate, producing (releasing back into the system) more nitrates (through the cycle) and possibly phosphate.
Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, Phospate, pH, and lighting (with schedule) Are you skimming or filtering in some manner? Are you using tap water or buying distilled/RO water? (Definately get your RO/DI unit up and running if you are using tap water) How often and how much are you changing water?
The clean-up crew will eat and help to reduce any algae but will also excreate, producing (releasing back into the system) more nitrates (through the cycle) and possibly phosphate.
I live near TBS and they are only open for 5 hours a week. Unfortunately can hardly ever get over there because it is my day off. I have been over there 3 or 4 times and everytime I go the rock bins are very bare. I have been told to wait till the summer months to get the rest because the selection will be better.
Dock when I get home for work tommorow I will do some fresh tests to let you know all the info. From what i do know, im currently using tap water treated with Amquel. I need to get that RO/DI unit up soon though, i know. I have never attemped a plumbing job though so i'm a little nervous. I have a Prism protein skimmer that seems to do an alright job. I will get back with more detail tommorow. Thanks for you time.
Dock when I get home for work tommorow I will do some fresh tests to let you know all the info. From what i do know, im currently using tap water treated with Amquel. I need to get that RO/DI unit up soon though, i know. I have never attemped a plumbing job though so i'm a little nervous. I have a Prism protein skimmer that seems to do an alright job. I will get back with more detail tommorow. Thanks for you time.
I was under the impression you could pick up the cleaner crew - that is, the issue on the backorder is the rock itself - not the crew. If you can't - cut down your photo period and add maybe a snail or two (turbo) and use the algae magnets everyday...
amquel - isn't that to treat ammonia? water from tap doesn't have ammonia - depending on city or well - I think the concern is chorlamine (spelling). Are you conditioning the water at all before using? Or leaving it for 24 hrs first?
amquel - isn't that to treat ammonia? water from tap doesn't have ammonia - depending on city or well - I think the concern is chorlamine (spelling). Are you conditioning the water at all before using? Or leaving it for 24 hrs first?
Amquel is for chlorine, chorlamines, and ammonia in one. However, i have not been setting the water out for 24hrs. Thats the first time i have heard of that. I usually fill up a bucket with a capful of Amquel and dump it in. IM A BAD AQUARIST!!:*( My freshwater tanks are doing fabulous atleast. Anyway, i will get home and do my tests to let you know exactly what is going on in there.
BrianPlankis
Premium Member
I added astrea snails to my tank and they started MOWING down the algae that my ceriths and other snails barely touched. I hear the best is actually Trochus(spelling) snails, they don't have the problem of falling on their back and not being able to turn over.
Brian
Brian
kindafun
Entreprenerd
I know what its like fighting that battle, one approach that ive been taking latly is just taking out the algea myself... it seems to be working wonderfully. in the places where take it off it doesnt seem to grow back, a clean up crew is deffinatly needed though. my tubos from my tbs plackage are doing great and so is the lawnmower blenny i got(highly suggested fish, practical and interesting) i just spend an hour a day taking out the algae and its getting much much better, just hopeing that pretty soon this algae bloom will end with my help and the help of the cleaner crew, from what ive read new tanks just reach a point where algae just stops growing like crazy
Bad news. I bought 4 turbo snails and they havent done a thing. Two havent moved since i put them in and I think on is dead. The other one has moved about an inch from its orginal starting spot. Today will be the third day in. I would have thought they would be doing something by now. Also, i only had time to do a quick ammonia test and it was 0. I had done a water change over the weekend and nitrate was not a problem either. Not sure what is going on in there.
Good news. Got the RO/DI unit up and running last night. Stayed up too late doing that last night, lol. Hopefully that will make a big difference. Tonight, I'll get my topwater and water change water buckets setup with DI water and do another water change. Should see some better results after that.
BrianPlankis
Premium Member
John,
You probably already know this, but I like to state the obvious. It is usually best to wait 24 hours for fresh SW to mix with a powerhead and heater before doing a water change with it.
B.
You probably already know this, but I like to state the obvious. It is usually best to wait 24 hours for fresh SW to mix with a powerhead and heater before doing a water change with it.
B.
Ok, little update. I spent all day saturday filling up my 20g reserve S/W bucket. Let it sit for 24hrs and did 20% water change with it a little while ago. I am already noticing a difference in the behavior of my critters. They seem much happier and more mobile. For the first time in a few weeks it seems I am starting to win the algea battle. I will have some pics of it up soon. Need to get the digital camera back from my girlfriend. Thanks for all the help guys. I'll keep you posted.
Not sure if anyone is still interested, but heres another update. I am continuing to see more and more improvements in the condition of my tank after making the switch to the DI water. My water parameters are:
pH: 8.2-8.4
Temp: 79D
Nitrate: 5ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Ammonia: 0ppm
Salinity: 1.024
pH: 8.2-8.4
Temp: 79D
Nitrate: 5ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Ammonia: 0ppm
Salinity: 1.024
Thanks guys
I'll have the Digital camera by the end of the and i'll post some pics after that. I have another question now. I've had my TBS rock since August and have been waiting till the summer months to get the rest. Even though i dont have all my critters and rock would it be okay if i got a chromis or two?
I'll have the Digital camera by the end of the and i'll post some pics after that. I have another question now. I've had my TBS rock since August and have been waiting till the summer months to get the rest. Even though i dont have all my critters and rock would it be okay if i got a chromis or two?
