need some more ideas on algae problem

[Morrist3]

I know algae problems are common here, but I can't quite find the same problem. I have a 220 gallon tank with a 30 gallon refugium. The algae is out of control in the tank. I don't mean on the walls, rocks, or sand. I mean the water is green. You can't see more then 2 or 3 inches in. I can see a faint outline of the rocks and thats it. The glass is clean. I have a skimmer running in the refugium which I turned up to try and get excess nutrients off, I am getting a full cup about once a week. I have 250lbs of live rock, a 3 inch live sand bed. I have somewhere around 200 snails. About 50 small blue leg hermit crabs. 4 peppermint shrimps. I have several hand fulls of algae in the refugium for filtration. The only fish in the tank are 8 damsels that I used to cycle the tank. My water parameters are
ph 8.2
nitrates 0
nitrites 0
amon 0
temp 80
I have tried turning the lighting time down. I have tried several water changes, usually not more then 20% though.
I guess the only other thing I can think of is a bigger water change just not sure if it is a good idea to take out too much.
Any other suggestions would be greatly appreicated.
If there is anything else you need to know please just ask. Thank you for your time.

 

[collective21]

UV Sterilizer might help with the green water.

 

[shan820]

That sucks. Is the water so green that you just cant see if the rocks are also covered? What kind of water are you using? Are you using a carbon filter?

 

[Morrist3]

Can't see the rocks well enough, I don't think they are covered but not sure. And no not using any carbon.

 

[Morrist3]

I take that back I am using a small carbon filter, but the carbon is pretty old and prob not good anymore, was just using for alittle more circulation and some filtration.

 

[shan820]

I would definately get a decent size carbon filter. And new good quality carbon. Old carbon = useless carbon. Look for black diamond carbon, its pricey at the LFS but the best quality. AND if you look at the manufacturers name on the label, its the same company that Walmart sells with a different label, and cheaper. Look for it.

 

[shan820]

Other things to consider
1. Lighting, photoperiod, and exposure to direct sunlight
2. You mentioned circulation, with a 220g tank you'll need a couple of good power heads

 

[Morrist3]

It is in the basement so there is no direct sunlight. I have 2 good size powerheads on top of the one cannister filter and the return line from the refugium, so I don't think that is a problem.

My next question then, would you recommend the uv sterlizer or the carbon being helpful. I think I am leaning toward the uv. Thanks for the help.

 

[Paulairduck]

how about checking for phosphates

how about checking for phosphates

Do you have the reading on the phosphates and what type of skimmer are you running on that big tank.

 

[squibley2]

On that size tank I would definitely go with a UV sterilizer!!! I have one on my 90G and it keeps the water crystal clear. If you run a slow flow rate through it then you can also control other unwanted things like parasites and bacteria. On that size tank you are going to be looking for a big UV I would say at very least an 18W unit.

 

[PatMayo]

What size are your power heads. Unless they are big Seio's or some tunze's I doubt that you have enough water flow, even with your return and cannister filter.

How often do you feed? What type of substrate? You also may want to post this in the Chemistry forum. Randy is pretty sharp and Jonathan also mods that forum. Those guys will have some solutions for you.

It sounds like some type of algae bloom which typically means too much food, not enough circulation, poor skimming. A 220 gallon tank would need a real powerful skimmer.

Also, did you cure the rock in the tank or was it pre-cured?

Regards,

Pat