GSP tank w algae issues. Normal or not?

Discussion in 'Algae' started by GSPlover, Apr 17, 2012.

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  1. GSPlover

    GSPlover Plankton

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    Hello. I have a 30 gallon brackish tank that I am trying to bring to full saltwater over the next couple weeks. I have a green spotted puffer fish that is roughly the size of my thumb. I am having an issue with brown algae on the glass, decor and substrate. My water is nearly always cloudy, given that I have a Fluva submersible filter that is equipped for a 55 gallon tank. Any time the sand substrate is disturbed it creates a cloud that takes over the whole tank. I am looking for advise on how to lessen that action as well as how to rid the tank of the brown algae. He is currently on a diet of gutloaded ghost shrimp, bloodworms and snails every few weeks. The shrimp live with him on a normal basis as they do clean up the tank before becoming food, and the bloodworms are in a very small frozen cube, he gets those once a week just as variety. Any help would greatly be appreciated. Thank you :)
     
    GSPlover, Apr 17, 2012
    GSPlover, Apr 17, 2012
    #1

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  2. lillys Grandad

    lillys Grandad Horrid Stonefish

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    What is your filtration media?
     
    lillys Grandad, Apr 17, 2012
    lillys Grandad, Apr 17, 2012
    #2
  3. GSPlover

    GSPlover Plankton

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    I believe what you are asking me is what I am filtering with.. that would be carbon filters in the Fluva filter.
    I also have a water mover to keep the current flowing well, the filter cycles the tank roughly 250 gph
     
    GSPlover, Apr 17, 2012
    GSPlover, Apr 17, 2012
    #3
  4. NanaReefer

    NanaReefer Fu Manchu Lion Fish

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    I would test for nitrates! You could throw a bag of Chemipure Elite or Purigen into your filter to help remove excess nutrients. A good water change will help also :)
     
    NanaReefer, Apr 17, 2012
    NanaReefer, Apr 17, 2012
    #4
  5. GSPlover

    GSPlover Plankton

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    Ok great. Thank you, I will try that.
     
    GSPlover, Apr 17, 2012
    GSPlover, Apr 17, 2012
    #5
  6. HollyG

    HollyG Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    Nitrates are only a minor problem when it comes to algea. The real culptits are phosphates and sillicates. Check for those first, if you have even a tiny bit then that is what the algae is feeding off of.
     
    HollyG, Apr 17, 2012
    HollyG, Apr 17, 2012
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  7. Jgut3

    Jgut3 Fire Worm

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    ^ +1
     
    Jgut3, Apr 18, 2012
    Jgut3, Apr 18, 2012
    #7
  8. NanaReefer

    NanaReefer Fu Manchu Lion Fish

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    Only half wrong! Silicates which is a *mineral* which is what diatoms are made of and Nitrates being the main food source for algae.

    Nitrates are potentially dangerous due to the effects on the water chemistry and on a healthy environment for your fish while nitrates are accumulating. The higher the nitrate levels the higher and severe the consequences due to the stress on your fish and the favorable conditions for a serious algae outbreak.
     
    Last edited: Apr 18, 2012
    NanaReefer, Apr 18, 2012
    NanaReefer, Apr 18, 2012
    #8