Stupid algae!!!

[radar1625]

Okay this has gone on long enough. I have been battling this algae problem for about three months now. I had my water tested today, I have virtually no nitrates or nitrites, my salinity is 1.27 phosphates are at .35 even though I am running phosban through a whisper filter. I have tried water changes more often and the stuff keeps coming back. I also have those stupid little algae bubbles popping up. The LFS suggested I change my lights which are about 6 months old. I only have three fish and I feed only twice a week. ANY HELP IS NEEDED!

 

[HappySkittles]

either turn your lights off for a few days or lessen the amount of time they are on by alot
that seems to help others with algea

why would changing the lights help? if the lights were not working right wouldnt you not have algae? ::is curious::

 

[radar1625]

something about the spectrum of the light changing

 

[Reefbox]

How pure is the water you are using for water changes and top offs? Check it with a tds meter. Should be around zero.

 

[HappySkittles]

but if it changed wouldnt the plant not get what it needs?
but then again im not 100% sure what kind of spectrum they need...and how the lights dont work...thought the spectrum just wasnt as bright/effective/strong

lights are a very interesting thing
never had to worry about lights with freshwater >_<

 

[radar1625]

I use store bought distilled water for top offs and LFS water for water changes

 

[sps1-2-b]

You shouldn't have to change your lights. IMO PC bulbs are good for at least 9 mos, and MH bulbs good for at least 12 mos (of course depends on duration of use). The reason for changing bulbs after these timelines is that they lose their PAR (intensity), and old bulbs may lead to nuisance algae.

As for your algae problem, watch out for the lfs water bc some stores are too busy to change their filters regularly. Mainly phosphates and/or silicates are fueling your algae. .35 is not a bad level but < .03 is ideal.

As for the bubble algae, I've been told that manual removal is the best method. Some have success with emerald crabs, red sea sailfin tang, or foxface but all are hit or miss.

Bottom line is to try and lower your phosphates more and verify all the water coming in. You will eventually win this war. Happy reefing.

 

[Zebodog]

Re: Stupid algae!!!

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13241706#post13241706 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by radar1625
<snip>phosphates are at .35 even though <snip>

If I were a betting man I'd wager that this is your problem.

Figure out what's causing it and then eliminate the source.