3 day my

[Steven27]

My tank is 8 months old and wondering if a 3 day blackout would provide any benefits? I am currently mixing saltwater with distilled water and I’m switching to RODI water.

 

[Steven27]

Also what’s the best way to do a 3 day blackout?

 

[mkereefer]

what are tank parameters

 

[LAReefer4Life]

If all parameters are good then a black out period would work well to combat algae. You don't have corals so it won't hurt anything. PH will decline natural without photo period.

Check the video below.

 

[Steven27]

what are tank parameters

I haven’t checked parameters in a while not too sure.

what are tank paramet

 

[Steven27]

If all parameters are good then a black out period would work well to combat algae. You don't have corals so it won't hurt anything. PH will decline natural without photo period.

Check the video below.

I actually watched this video today great results but if the root of the issue isn’t found it will come back. I think it was the distilled water.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

blackouts are temporary fixes and the algae usually comes right back. Looking at your tank, its actually not bad, what is your concern really?

To me, seems to be minimum flow, and if you have to buy distilled water I guess water changes are not very frequent. And you haven't checked parameters in a while, and I notice no skimmer.

Kind of seems like lack of good aquarium husbandry might be the issue.

 

[Steven27]

blackouts are temporary fixes and the algae usually comes right back. Looking at your tank, its actually not bad, what is your concern really?

To me, seems to be minimum flow, and if you have to buy distilled water I guess water changes are not very frequent. And you haven't checked parameters in a while, and I notice no skimmer.

Kind of seems like lack of good aquarium husbandry might be the issue.

The amount of diatoms and algae is the concern. I have repositioned my circulation pumps to create better flow recently. Distilled water is easily accessible near me so I have been conducting 20 percent water changes every week for a month. I have no skimmer at the moment.

 

[LAReefer4Life]

I agree it doesn't look terrible. RODI water will help better remove silicates. I've had success with black out periods after taking approx. 2 weeks of manual removal stirring about the sand and turkey bast the rocks everyday. It takes time, your aquarium is still young.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

test kits will help you battle algae, without it you are fighting blindly. To me the algae doesnt look that bad. Amount of food you feed contributes to algae, and so does light, so cutting back on both will help. You can put phosguard in a bag in your HOB it will help cut down phosphates which are feeding the algae, but again, will need a phosphate test. Get some more clean up crew and sand sifting snails, I dont really see any in your tank.

Again, to me, it doesnt look that bad, I dont think you need drastic action, just a few tweaks here and there.

 

[Spare time]

I am not a fan of black outs as I consider it cruel to the fish.

 

[Spare time]

The fact that you haven't tested in a while and don't know the numbers is the main concern. Any attempt to fix the algae is useless without frequently knowing these values.

 

[Steven27]

I agree it doesn't look terrible. RODI water will help better remove silicates. I've had success with black out periods after taking approx. 2 weeks of manual removal stirring about the sand and turkey bast the rocks everyday. It takes time, your aquarium is still young.

I have been vacuuming the sand with water changes.

 

[Steven27]

The fact that you haven't tested in a while and don't know the numbers is the main concern. Any attempt to fix the algae is useless without frequently knowing these values.

test kits will help you battle algae, without it you are fighting blindly. To me the algae doesnt look that bad. Amount of food you feed contributes to algae, and so does light, so cutting back on both will help. You can put phosguard in a bag in your HOB it will help cut down phosphates which are feeding the algae, but again, will need a phosphate test. Get some more clean up crew and sand sifting snails, I dont really see any in your tank.

Again, to me, it doesnt look that bad, I dont think you need drastic action, just a few tweaks here and there.

I feed every 3 days and I’m currently feeding pellets. I have put some phosphate removing media in the hob I have to get some again.

 

[Spare time]

I feed every 3 days and I’m currently feeding pellets. I have put some phosphate removing media in the hob I have to get some again.

Feeding every 3 days is not good. That is starving the fish. Starving the fish should never be the answer to dealing with algae. Test the tank, then move from there.

 

[Spare time]

How often do you rinse out your mechanical filter?

 

[Steven27]

Feeding every 3 days is not good. That is starving the fish. Starving the fish should never be the answer to dealing with algae. Test the tank, then move from there.

I disagree with that statement fish are definitely not being starved.

 

[Steven27]

How often do you rinse out your mechanical filter?

I have a hang on the back filter

 

[Steven27]

The fact that you haven't tested in a while and don't know the numbers is the main concern. Any attempt to fix the algae is useless without frequently knowing these values.

I know this is a couple days later but I finally tested the nitrates I have the api saltwater test kit.

 

[homer1475]

Do you eat every day? Or only every 3?

Feeding every 3 days is starving your fish. Never starve your tank to combat algae issues, up your filtration game if your having algae issues.

FWIW.......
only issue i see is some diatoms. Could be coming from the distilled water, or as with most new tanks, it's the sand. If your not adding any silicate, then they will burn out as the silicate is used up.

Remember, our tanks shouldn't be pristine white rocks. If you can't grow algae, you can't grow corals.