Algae out of control!!!

Ok, I bought a phosban reactor; it is on the way. I also now know to NOT use my regular tap water. :-[


But seriously, this is out of control! The front glass is clear only because I used the cleaning magnet on it.

I found out I have fireworms in there... So not real keen on reaching in to pull all the algae out, but I could probably get a decent chunk as long as it wouldnt cause more problems and make it spread...

so go in manually?




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Welcome to 3reef.

You are going to have to manually remove some of that, it will not spread any more than it already has.

I suspect you need to beef up your clean up crew as well, I would go to ReefCleaners.org and look at their packages and recommendations.

How old are your bulbs?

Yeah tap water is most likely the issue. The phos reactor and RO/DI will go along way in cleaning it up, but it will not happen over night.

 

Lol that is amazing!!!!

I've found the three largest contributor for algae are as follows:

1. Feeding
2. Water Source
3. Lighting

With feeding, its not just overfeeding that causes issues but what you are feeding. Both flakes and frozen can be pretty hard on water quality even in appropriate amounts. Try varying the diet with quality pellets, RINSED frozen when applicable, and the best flakes you can get.

Water comes with alot of problems, from phosphates to silica's to copper. An RODI is very important but they do go bad. I'm getting a good deal of algae grow the last few weeks because my membrane is going bad. My TDS still reads under 30, but it is feeding bad stuff into my top offs. Make sure you TDS test your RO regularly to look for issues with water quality.

Lighting. Most traditional light sources (halides, t5, and PC) degrade over time, shifting the spectrum into lower kelvin readings. This fuels plant grow and can hinder coral growth, so make sure to update your bulbs appropriately.

 

Also, not to be a jerk, BUT THAT IS GLORIOUS!!!!

 

The 1st step is admitting you have a problem and we can help you.

 

I have several crabs, 3 peppermint shrimp, atleast 1 Large tubro snail and a BUNCH of tiny snails(hitchhikers?) There are also a large amount of hitchhikers from all the rock... lice looking things, various worms, and god knows what else is hiding beneath all that...

Do I still need more of a CUC?

The bulbs I am sure caused part of the problem, they were probably 7 years old when I got the tank... I did replace them 3 months ago because one went out... It hasnt really helped in that time,but I know this is going to be a long term fight

LOL, do I win a prize? Maybe for most ignorant saltwater tank owner???

Hey, to be fair though... I thought it actually looked really pretty for a while...

 

Yes you probably need some good algae eaters. Some hermits will eat hair algae, Astera snails, Turbos ( you need more turbos), Cerths. Tuxedo uchins will also eat it, but you need to maintain decent water quality.

 

lol, that is your tap water causing that. Also may be the tank temperature adding to it in the event you are experiencing summer heat affecting the tank.

Siphon most of it out, do a few water changes, add some hermit crabs, use RO water from now on and you will be just fine.

 

LOL, do I win a prize? Maybe for most ignorant saltwater tank owner???

Hey, to be fair though... I thought it actually looked really pretty for a while...[/QUOTE]

Lol. Actually, you can. You might find out when reef cleaners plans to run their annual contest.

 

Actually, I kind of did the same thing. I liked it growing on and hiding my overflow box so I left it alone for several years. Then it spread to my rocks and I am paying the price. If any newbies are reading, get rid of the nuisance algae at the first sign.