green algae on live rock?

[northdade]

can anyone tell me why i am starting to grow green algae on my live rock? i havent had this issue in the last two months. but now it is starting to look like it spreading. any suggestions?

 

[buzzer]

How old is the tank?
What kind of green algae hair/slime
The chances are you are getting elevated levels of phosphate / nitrate which is feeding the algae.
I had the same problem and the hair algae took over the tank for 8 months.....not fun.
I eventually won the battle when I installed a deltec fr509 running rowaphos and the tank within a month was back to its best.
HTH

 

[Rock Anemone]

Definitely need some more information as buzzer pointed out. Also, what are your water parims (especially phosphate) and are you using RO/DI water or tap?

Rock Anemone

 

[northdade]

i am using r/o water. the algae is like green slim not hair. the tank is about 3-4 monts old. (new) for the most part. i have not tested my water. i know i really need to, but the guy who takes care of my tank told me that i didnt have to? (sounds like bs to me) so if anyone can help let me know. thanks

 

[Rock Anemone]

Definitely test your water and see what your water parims are. The guy taking care of your tank could not be more wrong. You'll most likely want to boost your water flow up in the tank, run a skimmer if you have one, if not they are a great addition to the tank, run activated carbon and do a good sized water change. Also, depending on where your phosphates are after testing (your lfs can sample your water for you) you may want to run a type of phosban in your filter. Also, cutting down on feeding will help as well, if you overfeed that is.

Rock Anemone

 

[Ann1214]

I was using R/O. Phosphates were too high. My test kit did not show it, but the LFS found it was high. I believe them, because I have algea. I added a DI unit to the water treatment. My conductivity tester now reads O, and I have no phosphates in the "new" water. I still have algae - but I am hopeful that as the water parims improve with addtional water changes, the algae will clear.

I also have a new tank. Good luck.

 

[northdade]

Sweet!!! thanks everyone.i will try this and see what happens. i will keep you posted. talk to you later!!!

 

[northdade]

any good brand test kits i should look at?

 

[northdade]

i see so many that i get crazy. so if there are any recomended ones please let me know

 

[Rock Anemone]

I prefer to use Salifert since they are easy to use and reliable, but can run a bit expensive. Another good test kid I use is FasTest.

Rock Anemone

 

[AEreefer]

it is obviously a excess of nutrients in your water, nitrates, phosphates, etc. feed less, more water changes and throw in 4 or so lg turbo snails

 

[northdade]

great!!!!!

 

[northdade]

i believe i do have turbo snails. those are the ones with like a swirl for a shell right? what about mexican turbo snails