Awful algae in sand bed!!

just take it slow, there are NO quick fixes other than cutting down the bioload!

do not jump into the fixes reeffreek suggested. take it slow.

that ALOT of light for a 75, I woudl adjust the light cycle as well. Lay off the halides for a few days.
 
I did go out yesterday and grab a box of the Fluval phosphate and nitrate bags. I just threw one in the first chamber of my sump.

I figured this can't hurt.
 
I thought it might be a lot of light, but the power compacts that I had prior just weren't cutting it. Since I've switched to this lighting I'm getting much better propagation. Corals are growing and splitting much more often.

I really think raising the fixture is going to have a huge impact.
 
One thing that I have failed to mention was that I have no cover on the aquarium. The way the lighting fixture sits on top of the tank I just can't have covers. Even if I hang the light fixture, which I plan on doing anyway, I still can't have covers because my overflow has to hang over the site. I dont' have the space behind the tank to support the overflow box.

Does a lack of a cover mean anything?
 
Dynamixone, my suggestions were appropriate but possibly to a higher level of reefing than what we are dealing with. Just because YOU have experienced some stress on your fish with bare bottom doesn't mean in whole it is the wrong thing to do. LS is a haven for waste that will never get broken down. Disturbance of even a semi-established sand bed can cause system shock ie, drastic increases in nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, and phosphates. Any experienced reefer knows this. Let me point out that I did mention keeping a small amount of sand!

I am suggesting ways to eliminate the problems and possibilities of problems. The beneficial bacteria ratio to waste in bio-balls is completely unbalanced. Knowledgeable reefers know the harm of bio-balls. Lose em' or continue to house waste.

My fixes weren't fast but would definitely begin to eliminate his problem. :)
 
This is what drives me crazy about this hobby! So many differing opinions. I know people that have 30 years experience and ALL that they run are wet / dry sumps with bio-balls and maybe some basic media. Then I get on this site and LOOK OUT LORETTA!

I bought my entire sump as a kit. It came with bi-balls, refugium mud, skimmer, light, etc. Somewhere in aquatics history the masses thought bio-balls were beneficial. What proof is there that they aren't?

When it is all said and down, the presence of algae is good. It is after all a sign of 'LIFE'. Some algae is good to absorb the nitrates and other junk we don't want.

My $.02
 
Mangelo, exactly what I was going to say. on reefcentral there are way to many gimmicks and tricks. Listen to the people like Paul B who had a tank for 30 years! Look it up. very basic, no BS. I would steer cleer of dosing and other gimmicks until you truly understand the chemistry. otherwise you may be just torturing your fish.

Your tank is also new. give it time. just focus on water quality. the more load you put on your tank means the more maintainence. I found over the years with tanks i have, the tank will balance things out,.

the saying is "KISS"! KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID! :)
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13557978#post13557978 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mangelo
This is what drives me crazy about this hobby! So many differing opinions.
Click to expand...
Really?

All the posts I have read in this thread agree that:
a) Your nitrates are high
b) Your bio-load is high
c) You need to find ways to reduce nitrates by:
+ Better skimming
+ Increase means for de-nitrification or nitrate consumption
- Contrary to rock and sand that nitrify (on the surface) and de-nitrify (in the inside or lower layers) Bio balls are good nitrifiers but do nothing to de-nitrify
- Addition of macroalgae
- Water changes

So it is really up to what you want to do about it.
 
I was not referring to differing opinions here. I am talking about what I hear from people that I come in contact with, area experts, some from here obviously.

My nitrates do not go above 80ppm. That may not be great, but I do have a clam that is doing very well. As many of you know clams and snails for that matter do not tollerate high nitrates. All of turbos and other snails are just fine.

I do have macroalgae in my refugium.
I do 20% / week water changes.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13558867#post13558867 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mangelo
I do have macroalgae in my refugium.
I do 20% / week water changes.
Click to expand...
That is good but ufortunaltely it does not seem that has been enough to control your nitrates.
 
Ultimately, it's what works best for you. There are multiple ways to get the same result: some get their desired results with tech-intensive approach while others can get the same results using a very minimal / simple approach. Regardless, when dealing with nitrates, it's about controlling nutrients in your system. Since it doesn't appear to be coming from your source water, then the issue is nutrient input (i.e., fish food & fish waste).
 
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