Algae gone wild

[sredzins]

I can't get this algae and cyno to die off. I keep testing the parameters and they all check out. I've had chemipure elite in for just over a week and ive done water changes about twice a week since the algae has gotten out of control. Any ideas what the issue is? Also I've cut back on feeding a lot. Its a brown algae

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[ak_reefer]

Have you tested for phosphates?
What is your test showing for Nitrates?
Is it happening in a dead area where there is little to no flow?

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[kschweer]

Are you using RO/DI water? Have you tried an extended period of lights out? The lights out will help you get the upper hand on some of it. It is not a permanent fix however. The cause is likely excess nutrients. You will have to find out where these excess nutrients are coming from to fix the problem. While you are figuring this out your best bet is lights out for an extended period of time along with manual removal of the algae and cyano during regular water changes.

Can you post some specifics about your tank as well. Lighting, filtration, parameters, etc.

 

[sredzins]

My nitrates are less than 5. And my lighting is led lights 35 watts on for about 12 hours a day. The only filtration I have is live rock, a refugium with some chemipure elite and water changes. I haven't tested for phosphates. I do believe I was over feeding for a little but I have cut back a lot. How can I tell where a dead spot is? I have 1800 gph in a 50 gallon so water is definitely bring pushed around

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[Mattyice008]

I'd cut your light hours down a bit. My lights are 1hour just blues --> 8hours whites and blues --> 1hour just blues --> all off so 8hours total white 10hours total blue. I think 12 is a bit too much, and will definitly be a cause of algae growth

 

[jtomasi]

how new is the tank? new pukani rock can leacha lot of phosphates

 

[sredzins]

I'll give that a shot, is there any kind of correlation with nitrates and phosphates? Like I thought since my bit rates aren't high that my phosphates wouldn't be to high

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[ak_reefer]

Yes overfeeding will aid in it so good thing you cut down on it. Keep up with the water changes and I agree reduce your light cycle.

Are you using RO or RO/DI water for your water changes and top offs?

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[kschweer]

I'll give that a shot, is there any kind of correlation with nitrates and phosphates? Like I thought since my bit rates aren't high that my phosphates wouldn't be to high

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There usually is no correlation between the two. If you test now you will most likely get low readings because the algae is using up the phosphates.

 

[sredzins]

But don't nitrates and phosphates have the same source basically? How can you identify a dead spot?

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[kschweer]

Here's a pretty good article about phosphates.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-09/rhf/index.php

 

[ak_reefer]

Test your water you use for water changes before using it. That might be the source.


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[kschweer]

If you see any areas where things seem to settle or areas that have an accumulation of detritus more than likely its a dead spot.

 

[sredzins]

I'm going to try all these things, the tank is starting to look pretty grimey. Thanks guys. My next investment will be a skimmer.

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[sredzins]

Actually with this problem would it be better to get a reactor and gfo or a skimmer

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[kschweer]

I would get the skimmer first personally.

 

[sredzins]

That should decrease phosphates deamatically right?

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[mcmarines]

Agreed skimmer should help.

 

[kschweer]

A skimmer will remove dissolved organics from your tank and will help with phosphates and other nutrients.

 

[kschweer]

Also if you are feeding frozen I would recommend thawing and then rinsing in a fine net before feeding. You would be surprised how much this can help