Algae outbreak?

[Deiblerj]

Hey guys, I just got my first saltwater tank a few months ago and have cycled it, added a few fish, shrimp, crabs, and snails. My water parameters are spot on and I’ve been doing 5-10 gallon water changes weekly on my 40 Breeder. However, I keep getting this dark wispy algae growing on my rocks. I’ve tried googling different types of algae and think it might be Cyanobacteria but would like another opinion. Regardless of what it is, does anyone have any suggestions on how to get rid of it? I’ve tried siphoning it out during water changes but it grows back in a few days.

Currently running a fluval HOB 70gph filter, 2 koralia 850gph and a 250gph wavemakers.

Thanks

 

[miPapareef]

I agree is cyano. In a new tank it’s normal to go through different algae phases. Other than siphoning it out during a water change I wouldn’t do much else.

 

[Deiblerj]

Thanks for the response! So there’s not much to be done with this stuff, it will clear up on its own?

I’ve seen some other suggestions for using red slime remover and turning the lights out for 3 days.

Also, would a HOB skimmer work to keep the tank free from future outbreaks? I would love to set up a sump but that would require a lot of work right now since I would have to drain my tank and drill it.

 

[lapin]

Thanks for the response! So there’s not much to be done with this stuff, it will clear up on its own?
It is part of the new tank ugly stuff. It should clear up. The best approach is to siphon it out, and blow it off the rocks. Regular water changes will help.

I’ve seen some other suggestions for using red slime remover and turning the lights out for 3 days.
If you have no livestock in the tank you can do a 3 day blackout. It will die without light but it can comeback as soon as the lights are turned back on. It is a bacteria and slime remover and chem-clean will kill it off . It will also kill off other bacteria that is good for the tank.

Also, would a HOB skimmer work to keep the tank free from future outbreaks? I would love to set up a sump but that would require a lot of work right now since I would have to drain my tank and drill it.

A hang on the back skimmer will help with nutrient export and other algae outbreaks but wont do much for your cyano issue.

 

[Deiblerj]

Thanks for the replys. Going to try to clean as much off tonight with a water change and scrubbing the rock with a toothbrush.

I think I found the source. My nitrates are reading 0 but phosphates rubbing slightly above 0. From what I have been reading this can cause a cyano outbreak. I’ve been getting my water from a petco (already mixed RODI out of a pump). Looking at investing in a home RODI kit though. Not sure how often Petco cleans their stuff :mad:

 

[lapin]

You want some nitrate so things will grow. Everything does need phosphate. Its should be a 30/1 ratio. Lack of nutrients or them being out of balance will give cyano something to work with. Cyano is just a fact of new tanks as they become mature and get balanced out. This is my tank a few weeks back. It is getting better and will pass.

 

[TheBackAndForth]

It will go away if you continue to stay diligent, I agree with everyone else. I got a nasty algae bloom with a new tank and dry rock that took 6 months to recover from.

I suggest a small tunze 9004 skimmer instead of filter though.