I have a 125 gal. saltwater tank, FOWLR. Recently, hairy algae and an orange residue has accumulated in the tank. I have a complete sump with in-sump protein skimmer w/GENX Submersible pump, pH monitor w/probe, two heaters, an inline chiller, Magnum 350 filter, Koralia powerheads (3). Can you give me some input as to what may be causing these growths?
need advice
- Thread starter mbarileau
- Start date
Sisterlimonpot
Premium Member
Usually high nitrates and phosphates are the culprit. What are your water parameters? PH, amm, nitrates, phosphates, and if you test calcium, alk give us your results as well.
If your nitrates and phosphates are high read the stickies at the top of this site for what to do
If your nitrates and phosphates are high read the stickies at the top of this site for what to do
Sisterlimonpot
Premium Member
ahh Good catch,
mbarileau, don't you have a skimmer?
BTW, WELCOME TO REEF CENTRAL!!!
mbarileau, don't you have a skimmer?
BTW, WELCOME TO REEF CENTRAL!!!
kraze3
New member
I would do a good sized water change to get those nitrates down. If you have any filtersocks, filter sponges, or filter pads clean them asap. I also clean my PHs and return pump often.
Then you need to find where these nitrates are comming from. How much, how often, and what do you feed? This is a good place to start.
Also I keep my salinity at about 35 ppm. I dont think that is adding to your algae probelm.
Then you need to find where these nitrates are comming from. How much, how often, and what do you feed? This is a good place to start.
Also I keep my salinity at about 35 ppm. I dont think that is adding to your algae probelm.
returnofsid
New member
Remove or clean all mechanical filtration media immediately. Skim WET and do large water changes.
Ammonia and Nitrites are removed by the biological process. Nitrates are not. They need to be removed from the tank manually.
Do you have any Macro Algae in your sump? If not, toss a bunch in. It'll absorb your nitrates and you'll remove nitrates by trimming your Macro.
Also, do you have a deep sand bed in your sump? If not, create one. You'd be amazed at how quickly a DSB, even if it's in a 5 gallon bucket, can reduce nitrates, through natural nitrification.
Ammonia and Nitrites are removed by the biological process. Nitrates are not. They need to be removed from the tank manually.
Do you have any Macro Algae in your sump? If not, toss a bunch in. It'll absorb your nitrates and you'll remove nitrates by trimming your Macro.
Also, do you have a deep sand bed in your sump? If not, create one. You'd be amazed at how quickly a DSB, even if it's in a 5 gallon bucket, can reduce nitrates, through natural nitrification.
Similar threads
