Serious algae problem

[ffmedic]

So have had this tank up and running for over a year now. About 2 month ago been having serious algae and cloudy water problems. Started after I had to use tap water to top off tank for a week. But been doing massive water changes with no help been scrubbing rocks and picking chunks out. Latest tests show zero phosphates zero nitrates kh of 8 calcium 440

Any help would be greatly appreciated I can't seem to figure this out.

 

[1kwksvt]

What is your mag levels

 

[ffmedic]

That's the one test I don't have with my kit

 

[Dragonvale]

If your showing zero's technically you should be fine. My question is how long have you been running zero's in phosophates? It could take awhile once you see the algae starting turning pale your headed in the right direction. For me, I just got a clean up crew of snails and hermit crabs (meaning the amount they recommend for your tank which I feel is an overkill but works) and they cleared in out in a week and a half. Attached is a before and after after about 2-3 days. I threw some snails on my tester frag holder directly. Those frags were testers to see if everything was good to go for the larger colonies or more expensive corals.

 

[swk]

So have had this tank up and running for over a year now. About 2 month ago been having serious algae and cloudy water problems. Started after I had to use tap water to top off tank for a week. But been doing massive water changes with no help been scrubbing rocks and picking chunks out. Latest tests show zero phosphates zero nitrates kh of 8 calcium 440

Any help would be greatly appreciated I can't seem to figure this out.

Did you also post this on R2R?

If so, thats not algae, but dinoflagellates. Check this thread:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2307000

 

[ffmedic]

I did and think I'm coming to the same conclusion about the dinos. I'm thinking of moving my snails and live stock to my other tank while I clear up the dinoflagellates. As I hear it can release toxins deadly to the snails

 

[swk]

It all depends on What species of dinos you have. If you have a microscope they're very easy to identify.

Do try to read that thread. There's lots of good info in it. Be prepared for a struggle. These are not easy to get rid of, again depending on the species.

 

[ffmedic]

I've been reading it and think I got a game plan since I have multiple tanks I might move some stuff as a precaution. I don't have access to a microscope atm but that's a good idea to identify the strain

 

[ffmedic]

So just a quick update did the 3 day black out and it wiped out 99 percent of the dinos tank looks fantastic very pleased. Will continue to keep on it but glad it helped so much

 

[dgphelps]

Not sure if you still need it but I have a microscope and would be happy to take a closer look for you to try and id.

 

[swk]

Not sure if you still need it but I have a microscope and would be happy to take a closer look for you to try and id.

Good to know!

Be careful - some Dino sp. Are only knocked down with a blackout, not out. Keep a close eye on the tank and be prepared with peroxide.

 

[ffmedic]

would it hurt anything to do some peroxide now add a precaution to rid any stragglers?

 

[swk]

Serious algae problem

would it hurt anything to do some peroxide now add a precaution to rid any stragglers?

Not at all but best to do after lights out when the dinos are free swimming.

1ml per 10 gal

 

[dgphelps]

Wow, small dosage. That takes out dinoflagellates - anything else?!

 

[swk]

Wow, small dosage. That takes out dinoflagellates - anything else?!

It'll eliminate some species of dinos. Some are still difficult to truly rid yourself of. The thread I linked is an awesome reference with some of the newer, more experimental protocols.

Some people have gone as high as 2ml/10 gal without issue but I never had to personally. I had an episode of it last summer and the peroxide alone handled it permanently.

 

[ffmedic]

Out of curiosity how doing did you dose for ?

 

[telamont]

sea hairs for algae cleanup. they're toxic is they die but i haven't found any better solution when all else fails. depending on tank size the toxins released if they die really pose no threat. This is for long hairy algae not just the green film that collects on glass.

 

[swk]

Out of curiosity how doing did you dose for ?

I think about 2 weeks?