What do you think

[jwill275]

I downsized to a 40 gal nano and placed the tank in my den(see pics). Have been fighting algae. Phosphate fluctuates between .03 and .06, not too bad; Nitrates always low using API and it never seems to go above 0. Doing water changes regularly, 5 gal per week, sometimes more. Do you think the "daylight" is feeding the algae? Sun never hits the tank and by 11-12 its gone.

Thanks

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Is it more prevalent on the side nearest the sun?
Mine has a penchant for cyano every spring & fall from the picture window.

 

[Editour2]

Hey John......can't tell much from those pics. Do you have a clean up crew? Are you using a protein skimmer? Running GFO/Carbon? How many fish do you have in the tank? Are you using RODI water? How often do you feed? I doubt very much that the sun is contributing to your situation based on what I can see from the pics.

 

[jwill275]

Frank yes to all of the above, only 4 fish, about 20+ small turbo snails. The algae grows on all the rocks, I've taken them out one at a time and cleaned them up. Using both GFO and Carbon and a skimmer. Thanks

 

[jwill275]

Here are some better pics

 

[James983]

John, I would guess your rocks are leaching phosphates. Just keep at it and eventually it should subside. Nice seeing you back with a tank bud.

 

[jwill275]

Thanks Jim

 

[Editour2]

John, I would guess your rocks are leaching phosphates. Just keep at it and eventually it should subside. Nice seeing you back with a tank bud.

John,
I agree with Jim.......I had an issue once with mushrooms and gsp growing out of control on my eggcrate rack in the frag tank. My solution was to place a new eggcrate rack in there and scrape off and dry out the old one. Well I had an algae outburst for about 2 months with the new rack. No problems in the display tank...just in the frag tank on the new eggcrate. It drove me crazy because it was growing all over my frags....I went from 1 problem to another. It eventually went away....
This probably doesn't help you now but I think you are doing everything you are supposed to do and through diligence you will eventually eliminate your issue.
Frank

 

[jwill275]

Thanks Guys, thought that may be my problem. Will be patient and continue with water changes, GFO and carbon. Thanks again

 

[WallysWorld]

John,

There's probably something in the water you use for makeup and water changes. Try not doing any water changes for a month and use a fresh DI container for your RO system.

-Walter