Algae issues for all.

Ok i see alot of posts for algae so i decided to make a post that covers a general aspect of it.here are some tips to prevent it or stop it.(different for each case tho.)



1.water- is a big key for most people.tap water is usually bad(some cases your water treatment facility is good)try to avoid using tap water.buy a ro/di or go to your lfs and they will supply you with water for a price.
2.phos reactors- are very helpful if you start early.dont wait till you see your whole tank green and brown to buy it.start early and it gets rid of it before it fully develops.
3.l/r- make sure you buy cured l/r or if not able to go ahead and make it.you can use almost any rock for l/r(lava rock is a no no).some stores sell l/r and its not cured so cure it yourself.some people nuke with bleach hot water.depends on how you want to do it.
4.overstock and patience -alot of people get so anxious that they set up their tank that they want to put fish in asap.wait some time (i say 4 weeks min) putting alot of fish so it looks cool and nice doesnt always work.alot of fish= poop which = nitrates and nitrites= algae blooms.
5.clean up crew-get yourself a great clean up crew to start out. mix snails,crabs(research species), starfish(research species),and shrimp(research species).some fish do clean up like lawnmower blennies,tangs eat algae,and angel fish(there are several more species that help to).
6.equipment-this to me is a big key.if you have a tank buy equipment that works for a larger tank. i/e if you have a 100 gallon tank buy equipment for a 150.its not gonna hurt to have bigger equipment that does more work.plus if you want a bigger tank you can use it.save some money when you upgrade. buying cheap isnt always best.sepnd a little cash and research some of the equipment.some are good some just suck.
7.lighting- watch the light on the tank.sunlight is not always good.it can start algae blooms.position you tank in a great spot that the sun doesnt hit it hard.buy some good quality lighting.plus it helps you put different corals and other species in the tank since some require different lighting.


this is just some helpful thoughts.your more and welcome to add more to this if you wish or correct me if im wrong.

 

Corect levels of Mg,Ca & Alk will go along ways too

 

Thanks for the info....

 

Amen! ;D

 

Ditto Waste