Persistent red algae and hair algae

I have a 150 gall mainly FOWLR. in July, I got lazy. I didn't do a single water change, then August same thing. But, I've read all over that some people don't do water changes, so I wasn't that worried. A little over 2 weeks ago, BAM, my tank was COVERED in hair algae and red slime algae. Duh, obviously my water was out of whack. I did a 30 gall change immediately, and I've done 3 more 18 gall changes using only ro water in these 2 weeks. I also did a 4 day lights out. Initally I tested the water and my ammonia was 0.25, nitrate 0 (I'm sure because the algae was using it up) and phosphate was 0.5. I have been using a scrubber, and turkey baster to slough off as much as I can and siphon too. The red slime also has little bubbles all over it. I tested my params tonight after my last water change this am, everything is reading 0. The slime algae is being more persistent though. It just keeps coming back. Should I keep doing water changes every couple of days and changing my filter media til it goes away? Or am I missing something? My lights run, actinics from 10:00-9:30, whites 10:30 to 9, and moonlights 9:30 to 10. I have a HUGE sump below, no skimmer though yet, the lfs said I didn't need it til I really wanted to get more corals. I'll post a picture tomorrow when my lights come back on. I'm embarrassed to take a pic cuz my tank looks horrendous.:-[

 

you already got numerous views on your thread but no one bothered to reply, it's like reading an essay...it is just too darn long to read, one whole, big paragraph is intimidating to read.


go get yourself a skimmer, your LFS is an idiot. you have such a heavy bioload without a skimmer.

 

I would say yes you do have a heavy bioload. You also dont have a skimmer. you really should get one. I agree with you that the reason your test read zero is either bad test kit, or the algae in your tank is using it up and giving you a false reading. I would also ask about your water flow. I didnt read anything about water movement in the tank. Red slime algae with def form because of low water flow. in my opinion your lights should be on for less hours in the day. I dont do anymore than 8hrs for mine. just my thoughts.

 

Thanks, off to get a skimmer today. I do have 2 powerheads, I don't think they move the water enough. I'm going to upgrade that too.

 

I have to ask how old is your tank and light bulbs? Also what kind of lighting do you have I assume its t5's cause you said atinics. What size is your tank and sump? also your powerheads?

The red algae is cyano which is a bacteria due to not having a skimmer and possibly low flow or not enough light., but you are fixing the skimmer part so good job.

Now i see you have ammonia is why i ask how old your tank is cause normally if you have ammonia your tank hasnt fully cycled or you have a mini cycle going on either way not good when you have fish in there.

 

My tank was started in December. My lights were new in March. It's a HO T5 "72 in with 12 lights. 6 blue and 6 white. I was planning on replacing the lights in November. I believe my negligence and heavy bioload caused my problem although, I just put a new powerhead in and the flow is AMAZING. I think that was part of the problem too. I had to order the skimmer cuz the lfs didn't have one in stock for my size of tank. I have a 150 gall, not sure how big the sump is, it takes up almost all of the space below, has 6 filters, carbon and 2 huge biowheels. It's from Marineland. I am noticing today that the hair algae is really starting to go away. YEAH!

 

ammonia, nitrate and phosphate reading 0 this afternoon

 

Glad its starting to go away. Your skimmer will really help that out when you get it in.

 

Algae control is one of the goals of each fan. The amount of algae is much depends on you as well as the type of system running. It is certainly too much when it endangers the animals you put in your system. You can do this by "asphyxia" (coral) or the depletion of oxygen in the night (of fish). Remember that no tank is completely free of algae, and it is natural to have some. Just avoid being a farmer of algae. Algae come in two basic forms - micro and macro, which is determined mainly by size. Here is a concise list of different algae and forms of control.
Hair Algae:

Its green and thin, and can really bum out. See the main list. The best tips for control - to keep nutrient levels low, skim till yer blue in the face, and shop some scavengers.
Slime algae:

Red, brown, black and green, which grows on the leaves and the layers of substrate, and anything sessile others. This is a very common problem and can grow quickly. The main causes are silicates and phosphates. The best advice is to keep the master list of all concentrate on the water and skimming. In the fish tanks only with acute (not chronic) problems, a form of erythromycin per 50 gallons for one time will kill you within 24 hours. Turn off the skimmer during this period and remove activated carbon or polyfilters. Do not use repeatedly or you will kill your biological filter. Not sue in reef tanks.

 

So I went to the LFS and picked up a HYDOR 1400GPH pump. The thing really moves the water. So I now have 3 circulation pumps going. I also am installing a GFO reactor tomorrow and waiting for my skimmer to come to my door. The red algae has completely stopped growing. I can't see any more than 2 days which is great! And the tangs I have and turbos are going bananas on the hair algae. I am nervous for the gfo hookup tomorrow because right now I have a rio 3100 pump with 1 inch returns and I'll be going to a 1/2 inch return and a new pump. We shall see how this goes. I'm worried about flow.