Emma1234
New member
Hi all,
I'm need some help with my reef tank please. I think I have a problem with micro algae. Please see the attached picture.
The tank is about 3 years old. 55 gallon with a 20 gallon sump.I have a clownfish and royal gamma. And various LPS and softies.
Parameter values:
CA 450
Alk; 8
Mg 1350
Phosphate .006ppm
NITRATE: 2.5 PPM
Is the micro algae in the tanks because the nitrates are too high?
Other perhaps important info. I have an Eshopps protein skimmer. For the most part it runs well. But occasionally, after I've changed the water, or moved a coral, or made some other change, the skimmer goes nuts and will overfill and spill over the top of the collection cup and can't be adjusted. It takes a few days to settle back down. It seems like it is breaking in all over again.
I also have a collection of snails and crabs, a sea urchin and a brittle star. I think some the snails have died and probably need to be removed and maybe replenished. I'm wondering if dead snails might be contributing to the problem. My concern with removing snails is that I don't want to remove live animals. Is there any harm in adding more snails/crabs or brittle stars? Is there such a thing as too much of a clean up crew?
My current thinking is that I need to buy macro algae to remove the nitrates. I have none today.
It would be nice to buy some nice looking macro algae that I could put in the display. If that would do the trick it be a nice way to add to the beauty of the tank and, at the same time, get rid of the nitrates and micro algae. But I'm not sure that would be the best way to control the micro algae and nitrates. Controlling the micro algae is more important than beautifying the tank. Rather than buying nice looking macroalgae should I go with Chaeto, Ulva, or some other type of macroalgae? Are these better and easier to use to remove microalgae?
My concern with the Chaeto or Ulva is where, in the sump, to put it. I've attached picture of my sump. There are three chambers. One chamber has the skimmer, the middle has GFO and the third chamber has a return. I'm afraid if I put the Chaeto in with the return it will clog up the return. Should I put the macro algae in the middle chamber or make a place for it in the chamber with the return pump where there is more room?
I know I dumped a boat load of questions on all of you. But I would appreciate your experience and thoughts on any or all of these issues. Thanks in advance for your help!
I'm need some help with my reef tank please. I think I have a problem with micro algae. Please see the attached picture.
The tank is about 3 years old. 55 gallon with a 20 gallon sump.I have a clownfish and royal gamma. And various LPS and softies.
Parameter values:
CA 450
Alk; 8
Mg 1350
Phosphate .006ppm
NITRATE: 2.5 PPM
Is the micro algae in the tanks because the nitrates are too high?
Other perhaps important info. I have an Eshopps protein skimmer. For the most part it runs well. But occasionally, after I've changed the water, or moved a coral, or made some other change, the skimmer goes nuts and will overfill and spill over the top of the collection cup and can't be adjusted. It takes a few days to settle back down. It seems like it is breaking in all over again.
I also have a collection of snails and crabs, a sea urchin and a brittle star. I think some the snails have died and probably need to be removed and maybe replenished. I'm wondering if dead snails might be contributing to the problem. My concern with removing snails is that I don't want to remove live animals. Is there any harm in adding more snails/crabs or brittle stars? Is there such a thing as too much of a clean up crew?
My current thinking is that I need to buy macro algae to remove the nitrates. I have none today.
It would be nice to buy some nice looking macro algae that I could put in the display. If that would do the trick it be a nice way to add to the beauty of the tank and, at the same time, get rid of the nitrates and micro algae. But I'm not sure that would be the best way to control the micro algae and nitrates. Controlling the micro algae is more important than beautifying the tank. Rather than buying nice looking macroalgae should I go with Chaeto, Ulva, or some other type of macroalgae? Are these better and easier to use to remove microalgae?
My concern with the Chaeto or Ulva is where, in the sump, to put it. I've attached picture of my sump. There are three chambers. One chamber has the skimmer, the middle has GFO and the third chamber has a return. I'm afraid if I put the Chaeto in with the return it will clog up the return. Should I put the macro algae in the middle chamber or make a place for it in the chamber with the return pump where there is more room?
I know I dumped a boat load of questions on all of you. But I would appreciate your experience and thoughts on any or all of these issues. Thanks in advance for your help!
