New nano reef algae problem

[Lookitsgav]

Hi there,

Hope someone can help.

I'm new to the hobby and I'm having a major algae problem. There was a bit on and off, but these past few weeks it's gotten really bad.

Brown algae with air bubbles attached to it. I've pulled loads out, but it grows back really quickly. Nitrate is 0ppm. I did read somewhere that some kinds of algae can thrive with no nitrate, but I'm not too sure.

I've got sand in the bottom that is maybe an inch deep. Someone suggested maybe this could be giving unwanted nutrients?

I have two clown fish, a cleaner shrimp, a torch coral, a small red brittle star and about half a dozen snails. They all seem to be quite happy even with the algae, but it looks unsightly and I need rid of it.

Any suggestions would be appreciated and please ask questions if you need any more readings, etc.

Thanks
Gavin

 

[mcgyvr]

Post a picture of said issue..
Could be dinos..

Have you tested phosphates too?

Are you doing extensive water changes/siphoning it out?

 

[Lookitsgav]

Hi,

Have uploaded a couple of photos but I'm not sure how clear the image will be as the file size is tiny.

Phosphate is between 0.04 and 0.08. I'm currently changing the water about every 3 weeks and 15% at a time.

Thanks
Gavin

 

[Coralfuture]

I would say that looks like dino. There was a thread a week or so back that had a really easy way to test to confirm tho. Siphon out a clear glass cup worth of it and put it in the sun light. Leave it out for an hour and if after that hour algae has formed a mass its dinos. Its really cool I have to find the link for you.

 

[mcgyvr]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2531708

 

[Lookitsgav]

Excellent, yes if you have the link that would be great.

Assuming that the test confirms it is dinos, what is the best way to deal with them? Is that in the link as well?

 

[Coralfuture]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2531708

That's the link thank you mcgyvr!