7 Weeks later...

[Ozy2216]

Hello, this is my 7 week update on my tank. So far my parameters are still really well. And my algae is getting better. I added more flow towards the bottom of the tank and also added a fire-fish and cleaner shrimp. Also added mire rocks. My issue i’m having is whitish cloudy water, i do water changes pretty frequently like 1 every two weeks. And have my IV sterilizer running constantly now. I can’t seem to figure out what how to get rid of it...Does anyone have any idea or tips?

 

[Betex]

Hello, this is my 7 week update on my tank. So far my parameters are still really well. And my algae is getting better. I added more flow towards the bottom of the tank and also added a fire-fish and cleaner shrimp. Also added mire rocks. My issue i’m having is whitish cloudy water, i do water changes pretty frequently like 1 every two weeks. And have my IV sterilizer running constantly now. I can’t seem to figure out what how to get rid of it...Does anyone have any idea or tips?

Not really seeing a clean up crew you have enough snail/crabs in there or any?

 

[KingTideCorals]

Get a nice CUC in there and things will continue to do well! Things are looking good. Can try using a UV sterilizer, could help with the cloudy water, or may just need some time.

 

[Ozy2216]

Yeah i only have 3 turbo snails atm, but i do have a uv sterilizer running 24/7 to try and combat the cloudyness, but not working too well

 

[Betex]

Yeah i only have 3 turbo snails atm, but i do have a uv sterilizer running 24/7 to try and combat the cloudyness, but not working too well

Get an army and they will help you clean this all up.

 

[Jekyl]

Yeah i only have 3 turbo snails atm, but i do have a uv sterilizer running 24/7 to try and combat the cloudyness, but not working too well

Go to reefcleaners.org and get the package for half your tank size. Wayyyyy cheaper and more diverse than you'll get at your LFS

 

[vetteguy53081]

There is an algae bloom in progress it seems. Reduce white light intensity and/or amount of hours . Is this tank at or near a window?
Also- main snails you want are:
Turbo
astrea
cerith
nerite
nassarius

 

[old salt reefer]

I'm not seeing any kind of filter--is there one?

 

[Ozy2216]

There is an algae bloom in progress it seems. Reduce white light intensity and/or amount of hours . Is this tank at or near a window?
Also- main snails you want are:
Turbo
astrea
cerith
nerite
nassarius

No it’s not near a window, i’ll set the lights to way lower white intensity

 

[Ozy2216]

I'm not seeing any kind of filter--is there one?

Yeah it’s a 55 gallon and i have the 407 fluval 55-100 gallon canister on it

 

[vetteguy53081]

Part of the issue is filter. Unless you clean it literally weekly, your nitrates will be elevated and promote algae

 

[Lost in the Sauce]

Part of the issue is filter. Unless you clean it literally weekly, your nitrates will be elevated and promote algae

I haven't found this to be completely true in practice on my fx4. I clean it out every Saturday morning because of always being told it's a "nitrate factory". on a few occasions when I couldn't and skipped that week, my levels were pretty unchanged going out to 3 weeks before seeing a noticeable jump. I still clean it weekly because it takes a few minutes but I don't worry about it too much.

 

[MichaelReefer]

Looks more like a bacterial/algae bloom...just leave it be. Normally clears up in a few weeks.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I haven't found this to be completely true in practice on my fx4. I clean it out every Saturday morning because of always being told it's a "nitrate factory". on a few occasions when I couldn't and skipped that week, my levels were pretty unchanged going out to 3 weeks before seeing a noticeable jump. I still clean it weekly because it takes a few minutes but I don't worry about it too much.

If you’re using api test kits, you’re likely getting false readings. The issue is, the canisters although good are a means for mechanical filtration and the media will serve to a degree, the aspect of chemical filtration but the biological filtration is somewhat missing.

 

[Lost in the Sauce]

If you’re using api test kits, you’re likely getting false readings. The issue is, the canisters although good are a means for mechanical filtration and the media will serve to a degree, the aspect of chemical filtration but the biological filtration is somewhat missing.

I'm using Hanna checkers.

I don't know about the 407, but the fx4 had plenty of room to pack with bio media. I've got balls, rings, and stars packed in because those were in the box of stuff that came with the tank I bought.

Not disregarding your input. I just personally haven't found the canister to be as bad as everyone said it would be. I also clean it weekly ad standard so maybe that's the difference.

 

[Ozy2216]

Yeah so i turned only my white lights on, and it’s definitely an algae bloom. Tank was greener than grass lol. I cleaned out my canister, and reduced my light amount so we’ll see how that goes

 

[Ozy2216]

I’m wondering though, is there anything i can do to my canister to get the best performance out of it, like can i shove some chaeto in between the slots or something lol.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Are you ruining carbon? Carbon will clear up cloudy water and make it crystal clear for you.

 

[Ozy2216]

Are you ruining carbon? Carbon will clear up cloudy water and make it crystal clear for you.

Carbon, phosguard and purigen