Help with Algae!

[Schmoner]

Hi Everyone,

I'm suffering with a slow build up of what I think is Algae on the very top level of my substrate. It's like a brownish coating, but seems to be growing tiny tiny flowers/spores?.

I initially added more Turbo's and Hermits but it didn't cure it, and i'm also getting green algae build up on the sides of my tank.

Can anyone help in how I can get rid of all of it? I want nice clean white sand, can I get it back?

Running AquaC Remora, w/Carbon & RowaPhos, external canister filter, Trites 0 , Trates 0 , 2 perc clowns, 2 damsels, peppermint shrimp. UV filter. NO Lighting 8hrs

Thanks in advance

 

[loves saltwater]

Can you test for Phophate ? How much flow in your tank ?

 

[loves saltwater]

Can you test for Phophate ? How much flow in your tank ? lighting maybe a problem also can you tell me more about the lighting ? K rating and wattage ?

 

[Schmoner]

Lighting is only NO bulbs, very weak (upgrading soon) total of 2x30W Marine and Actinic

Phos is at about 0.03 when last tested (3 days)


It's the brown film on the sand that's really bugging me.

 

[Schmoner]

Oh, Good flow, 3 x 1200 Maxijets

 

[frederickk]

What kind of livestock do you have in there?

 

[loves saltwater]

Well for whatever it is worth. I started my tank with 2-48"-40 watt NO's and I fought algea for months then I upgraded to 250 watts of T5 and have not had any problem since.

If you are running a phosphate remover and you still have phosphate you should look at where it is coming from

Do you use ro/di water ?

How often do you feed live stock

Do you feed flake food ?

Do you have any pictures ?

 

[Schmoner]

Thanks for advice so far, definately making the lighting upgrade a priority.

always use RO/DI

Feed flake few times weekly

I just wanted to satisfy that it was algae, I know the flake will not be helping my cause.

With regards to the sand, will it ever come up as new?
If not can, new sand on top of the existing work?

thanks again

 

[loves saltwater]

You can lightly vacuum the sand and get most of it out then whatever is left can be stirred up in the existing oh and always use a filter sock on your return when disturbing the sand or cleaning your tank to keep it from spreading.