Algae and other

[Cole nelson]

Hello. So recently I have added a few new additions to my tank. 1. A condy 2. A double head Aussie torch 3. Purple monti. After a water change that was a while ago didn’t go my way. I lost a green psammacora, almost lost my hammer and and slowly losing my monti. Now I seem to have a algae problem. I added in some snails but I need to be watching my biological load since I only have a filter and a very small skimmer. Any ideas on what to do other than water changes and tests?

 

[Steven91]

what are your parameters?

 

[Cole nelson]

what are your parameters?

I did some tests and I have a high Nitrate level and low KH levels

 

[Steven91]

I did some tests and I have a high Nitrate level and low KH levels

I'm not an expert, though depending on how high your nitrates are and how low your kh is, could he stressing your coral. You dose anything to raise your kh?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

We’d also need to see the alge.
Are you using rodi water ?
Also what lights ?

Coral loss and alge growth can be a few different things.

 

[Cole nelson]

I'm not an expert, though depending on how high your nitrates are and how low your kh is, could he stressing your coral. You dose anything to raise your kh?

I don’t dose for kh. I dose Red Sea for coral vitamins

 

[Cole nelson]

We’d also need to see the alge.
Are you using rodi water ?
Also what lights ?

Coral loss and alge growth can be a few different things.

I do use rodi water and I’m not to sure about my light. All I know is that it’s a little overkill for my tank size

 

[Cole nelson]

I have put in nitrate sponges into my filter chamber and there is a greenish brown build up on them

 

[Cole nelson]

I’ve also added 6 snails, and they do a good job on the walls. But I still have problems with the sand

 

[paul barker]

My tank po4 0 no2 0 no3 2.5 and I do use RODI water just 4 months old

 

[paul barker]

Calcium 430 kh 9.9

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I would stop feeding the coral food for a while.

 

[Cole nelson]

My tank po4 0 no2 0 no3 2.5 and I do use RODI water just 4 months old

Wow. Very impressed for only 4 months

 

[Cole nelson]

W

Calcium 430 kh 9.9

what is the difference between calcium and kh?

 

[Steven91]

W

what is the difference between calcium and kh?

KH is alkalinity, corals use both Cal and Alk to grow

 

[Cole nelson]

KH is alkalinity, corals use both Cal and Alk to grow

How does one improve kh. Any sponge or drops?

 

[paul barker]

I use red sea two part its easy test and read

 

[Steven91]

usually KH and Cal you treat as the same (per say). Red Sea 2 Part, BRS 2 part, B-Ionic 2 Part, as well as Aqua vitro 8.4

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I don’t belive your coral losses are due to calcium nor alkalinity.
Those are huge losses.

I’d suspect bad source water or Very new tank.

You’ll want to test the water.
And change the water.

 

[Steven91]

I don’t belive your coral losses are due to calcium nor alkalinity.
Those are huge losses.

I’d suspect bad source water or Very new tank.

You’ll want to test the water.
And change the water.

Agreed with changing the water, though it still wouldnt hurt to do a full test, Mag, Cal, Alk, Nitrates, Phos, and Salinity, as that might give some insight on why you are losing coral. Most LFS will do the tests for you (if you do not have all the tests or if you want a second set of test resutls) either for free or for some usually very small fee per test