Hello I just started a Fluval 13.5 reef aquarium and I'm having problems with algea. The tank was started around 2 months ago with Carib-sea Arag-alive substrate and BRS reef saver dry rock. I put in 2 onyx percula clownfish and a clean up crew. I'm also using Chemipure elite and polyfilter in a intank media basket and using the original Fluval biomax. My parameters are nitrite 0 ammonia 0 nitrates around 20. Is this normal for a new tank.
Algea
- Thread starter Ed Myers
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AntarcticIkeelu
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Yes this is normal, my tank had hair algae for about a year. Now it's all clean and looking great, so just give it some time and it should go away as long as your not overstocked or feeding real heavy.
Marinebionerd
Active Member
Try to reduce your light period to 7-8 and yeah don't feed as heavy I reccomend a product called bacteria clean it works well!!! Good luck!
mcarroll
10K Club member
I would also stop using ChemiPure.....too soon to need anything like that. Everything that's growing needs PO4.
And you're goal right now should be to grow everything you can – not just the stuff that doesn't mind PO4-starvation.
(That's a whole class of nasty critters....bubble algae is a dream, so keep it alive!)
And you're goal right now should be to grow everything you can – not just the stuff that doesn't mind PO4-starvation.
(That's a whole class of nasty critters....bubble algae is a dream, so keep it alive!)
mcarroll
10K Club member
Yes....if that. Try to keep it as natural as possible.
Have you tested your PO4 level? (I would....either get a kit for that too or have the LFS test it for you.)
That algae looks like some kind of cyanobacteria.....seems odd that it would be the bloom former when there is plenty of NO3....wouldn't seem to be an environment especially suited for a N-fixer.
Have you tested your PO4 level? (I would....either get a kit for that too or have the LFS test it for you.)
That algae looks like some kind of cyanobacteria.....seems odd that it would be the bloom former when there is plenty of NO3....wouldn't seem to be an environment especially suited for a N-fixer.
anthonys51
Active Member
One if the disadvantages of dry rock is you get bad algae blooms in new tanks. Live rock is more expensive and you can add hitchhikers ( noticed mostly bad crabs) but I think it's worth it I would add some fast growing corals to your tank to use up those nutrients that is being consumed by the algae right now. Kenya, Gsp, button polyps , mushrooms. All easy to grow and don't need a lot of light and will grow like weeds.
Okay new set of parameters ammonia 0 nitrite 0 nitrates 10 tested with API, Phosphate .08 tested with Hanna checker. Started using phosguard about 2 weeks. Started dosing daily bacter clean-m for 3 days, still no noticeable change in tank condition.
Noticeable Changes will be very slow in general.
May I ask how many and what kind of cuc you have?
And yes, all this is normal. From tank to tank the ugly phase is different. So everyone has slightly different needs and methods to get through it. Its not all about nutrients nor cuc. its a bit of both. that applies to all tanks really.
Off hand Id say you may need more mexican turbos. Did it come with any?
I didn't see it, but are you on rodi water?
I didn't see it, but are you on rodi water?
If you can, and I know everyone says it and I've been there too so its not a lecture, try to find an affordable place to get rodi. water is a trick because from place to place and brand to brand what is in the water is different. walmart water in Ca is most likely different than it is in Fla.
Look for small mexican turbos would be my call first. dont get them big look for several small ones.
yea no worries. Manual removal and a good cuc does wonders.
With such little demand for water you could get away with a much smaller more affordable system.
USMC 4 LIFE
Valuable Member
Check your calcium and alkalinity levels as well and ensure they are within reef parameters. The presence of coralline can deter the places where algae can grow.
mcarroll
10K Club member
I agree in general....get things corrected (to the extent needed) and stabilized.....stability is important to allow your tank to get through the uglies phase. Keep as many routines consistent as you can – especially cleaning and feeding routines.
