Re: nitrate 40 ppm & red algae

I have had a tank setup for awhile now and have always gotten high nitrate 40ppm. Yes I do water changes 15 to 20 gal month. I have very hard water with iron in it ph 8.4 hardness 425 buffering capacity 300 could the iron have something to do with red algae???? The red algae is not a total mess but covers many spots. Thinking of building sump would this help with red algae and nitrate??? I have given the tank a dose of penicillin(fish doc 8 tablets) about four weeks ago. The dose took most of the algae but is slowly creeping back. Yes light bulbs some what new power compact.well what is the magic cure?????water flow? iron? poor filter?over feeding? bad lighting? bad water?

 

What kind of water do you use???

 

well water I have my own well. I do have a water sofner but was told that is bad for tank??

 

[quote author=frank_broderick link=board=General;num=1105479210;start=0#2 date=01/11/05 at 17:10:55]well water I have my own well. I do have a water sofner but was told that is bad for tank??[/quote]

Frank, I would think about investing in an RO/DI unit to help with the water quality. Also How frequently are you cleaning you canister filter? Do you have a skimmer?

sorry for all the questions

J

 

I change filter every 3 or 4 weeks but if the looks dirty sooner.Just tring to find the next step in reef keeping not sure which direction is next.

 

no skimmer yet looking into that also. Lots to pick from

 

I would try not using your filter for a week or two. Do a 20G water change and monitor your Nirtates.
There are very inexpencive RO units you can get to purify your water. take a look at this link for a RO/DI unit
http://www.3reef.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=Product;action=display;num=1104265568;start=0#0


I would also start saving your pennys for a good skimmer or pick one up used through a local group or club

J

 

Are you sure it's not red slime algae, which is really a bacteria? I ask because of your use of an antibiotic. Be careful with your use of antibiotics. Remember the algae/slime left over is the stuff the antibiotic didn't kill. Survival of the fittest and all that... If so there is great article in Marine Fish and Reef's annual suppliment. Is it growing on the sand? Does it grow in mats and develop bubbles?

If you are not using a RO and/or if you overfeed or you don't have a skimmer you can have too much phosphate in the water. Tap water has phosphates added by many citys to combat lead poisioning. Who knows what you are getting out of the well, especially if there are farms near you adding fertilizer runoff to the water table. Rapid water changes may just add fertilizer to the algae. I'd start by testing the phosphate level in your tank.

By all means get a good skimmer. They help reduce all types of nasty stuff including phosphates and other waste products that feed the algae. Over purchase on this item. Get a skimmer that can handle 200gal. A SeaClone 150 or better should be sufficient and reasonably priced. If you want to save a few bucks I had good luck with a couple cheap Jebo's for tanks your size. They have a new larger capacity unit that looks pretty nice too. You can get them on Ebay with a pump for a song. Just stay away from their bigger pumps as IMO they are noisy. (Guess who has one... )

Be patient and this too will pass.

Good luck,

Bruce

 

Oh, iron supports algae growth too. A little goes a long way.

 

Frank,

The magic cure is patience 40ppm is not really that high IMO with what you are describing.

I would just start cleaning the cannister filter on a weekly basis. Also try blasting the algae with a turkey baster to stop it from forming a mat. I think if you do this until you can get a skimmer up and running all will be well

John