I have been getting uncontrollable green algae. I will clean the sides of the tank, and the next day, there is a ton of algae. I was told that bought bad water (when doing water changes), but when I got water from a different store, the problem hasn't stopped. I have some zoos, mushrooms, 2 peppermint shrimp and 2 clowns in the tank. Would it be from the kent marine solutions food (for the corals) I am putting in the tank? Any suggestions?
Green algae
- Thread starter ebess
- Start date
deklin
New member
Check phosphate and nitrate levels. Use phosphate remover. If you have high nitrates, I'd suggest cutting back on the feeding. A UV or ozone sterilizer would also help with this problem but probably not easy to set one up on a 12 gallon. I suggest focusing on eliminating the food source of the algae (nitrates and phosphates).
Also what is your lighting period. Running an extended lighting period or direct sunlight could also contribute to this problem.
Also what is your lighting period. Running an extended lighting period or direct sunlight could also contribute to this problem.
fatdaddy
New member
I have (maybe had) the same problem. I think it's mostly a too much nutrient problem even though I was doing all right right things including skimmer, undetectable silicates, undetectable phosphates, etc.
I finally bought some advanced tests to figure out the silicate & phosphate issues and even on these very sensitive tests, I'm running at undetectable levels.
But, they may be undetectable because the algae has picked them up already.
I think it comes down to adjusting the food to the bioload that your tank can handle. I was just overfeeding given that my tanks ability to process the nutrients. I cut back 50% for two months and then cut back again, and I finally have my algae under control (but only for 1-2 weeks, so who knows).
I'm currently installing a refug to see if I can create some competition for the algae growth.
Also, you may want to add some snails:
http://sealifeinc.net/catalog/index.php?cPath=32&osCsid=8fd1aa87e363c34a083f86fc0bd4a3fe
I just bought 50, and probably need another 100. 1-2/gallon is the rule of thumb, but if you buy too many, they will starve.
I finally bought some advanced tests to figure out the silicate & phosphate issues and even on these very sensitive tests, I'm running at undetectable levels.
But, they may be undetectable because the algae has picked them up already.
I think it comes down to adjusting the food to the bioload that your tank can handle. I was just overfeeding given that my tanks ability to process the nutrients. I cut back 50% for two months and then cut back again, and I finally have my algae under control (but only for 1-2 weeks, so who knows).
I'm currently installing a refug to see if I can create some competition for the algae growth.
Also, you may want to add some snails:
http://sealifeinc.net/catalog/index.php?cPath=32&osCsid=8fd1aa87e363c34a083f86fc0bd4a3fe
I just bought 50, and probably need another 100. 1-2/gallon is the rule of thumb, but if you buy too many, they will starve.
Aquarist007
New member
are you using r/0 water for changes and top ups?
Aquarist007
New member
i agree with cut back on the feeding but not on the lights---this could cause other problems with the critters---and soon as they are turned on again the problem is back
Aquarist007
New member
great tank turn over--20 times per hour or better, great tank circulation(turbular flow is better), using a micron filter bag for filtration and an excellent protein skimmer all can help to reduce phosphates--the fuel for algae. I am always guilty of over feeding a bit--I love watching them feed---so I rely on the filtering to compensate for my overfeeding(every second day I have to scape the front glass lightly--no bid deal)
I also baste the live rock every other day to remove debris etc and let it go through the filtration system.
I also baste the live rock every other day to remove debris etc and let it go through the filtration system.
