Looks like diatoms?

Tank has been running for six months. Did a nitrate and phosphate test both at zero ph 8.3 nitrite 0. Why do I still have algea in my tank? Lights are 9 months old t5's on eight hours a day and using ro water from Lfs. Please help don't know what's going on?

 

Take read of this link and see if it helps.

My Blog
http://www.3reef.com/forums/blogs/nasageek/algae-issues-notes-part-1-407.html

Mark

 

Thanks for the link. Now my tank looks cloudy, did a water test and the results are good
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0
Amon 0
Phosphate 0
Ph 8.4
Temp 78-79
Also used special blend for two weeks also added 4x54 t5's ho bulbs are 8-9 months old. Orders new bulbs to replace old bulbs. Any ideas what's going on? Could it be going thrue a cycle again?

 

Looks like it might by cyno rather than diatoms of the bkue/green colour variety rather than red slime

2 things come to mind

1) Flow - these types of algaes tend to do better in low flow areas which for most people means the sand bed

2) RO water from LFS - do you have a TDS meter or do they have one? you need to be certain of the quality of water you are using

Steve

 

What flow rate do I need it's only lr ls and three fish? Btw I have 1050gph power head with my sump return rated at 750 gph?
For my ro water went to another Lfs they showed me there readings and it's good. Now I'll be trying new water. I'll se what happens.

 

Btw it's a 55 gallon tank.

 

JP909
how is the sump water returned to your tank ?
if its split and directed towards various areas then its helping
if its going straight down or all travelling in 1 direction (across the top) then its not going to be contributing much to overall flow

the total amount of flow is adequate IMO but you might want to spread it about better to avoid the dead areas that are helping this cyno to maintain a hold there

Steve

 

My return is one and I just switch it to the surface I'll move it back to what I had it set up.

 

Tank is clearing up! Changed my lighting time from 8hr to 5hr and everything looks a lot better. Also order led new bulbs, how many hours should I be running my light a day? For now it's only fowlr. Thanks