At wits end with algae...

[peasout05]

So if I remove the canister what kind of filtration do I need? None? That seems so foreign to me. I feel like the water will just stagnate. I am so confused.

 

[reeferfoxx]

So if I remove the canister what kind of filtration do I need? None? That seems so foreign to me. I feel like the water will just stagnate. I am so confused.

Nitrifying bacteria resides on the surface of rocks, sand, glass, powerhead. Canisters are only good for mechanical filtration to remove particles floating. I see you have only one powerhead located on the left back side of the tank. I would recommend at least one more or two more for alternating currents. This will help bad stuff flow through the rocks and help nitrification.

 

[peasout05]

Well I have the out put on the right side of the tank as like a 2nd power head but I guess if I get rid of the filter I'd need the extra power head. Where would you suggest putting more power heads. I'm guessing obviously one on the right side of the tank but what about the 3rd one?

 

[Alfrareef]

I would reduce lights period,stop phyto, remove the canister from the system get a skimmer and take the rocks to a bucket filled with tank water and scrub them pretty well.
Also remove some of the sand, get a good cleaning crew and increase water change frequency until things start to get better.
Don't desperate because most of us have had issues similar and solved it.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I use a canister to remove the extra particulates before the rto and the bacteria process them . either way is fine. Also most upgrade slow, so thats ok.
Me, Id keep the can whaile you rehab the tank. Ive dont that before in a current tank.

 

[reeferfoxx]

Well I have the out put on the right side of the tank as like a 2nd power head but I guess if I get rid of the filter I'd need the extra power head. Where would you suggest putting more power heads. I'm guessing obviously one on the right side of the tank but what about the 3rd one?

Have two facing each other on each right and left side and have one more either left or right side in the lower back to keep stuff(detritus) from settling behind the rocks.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

One difficulty you may be having is dependin on what it in the source water is, it may be killing or slowing the formation of the good bacteria so its not processing the nutrints well.

 

[reeferfoxx]

I use a canister to remove the extra particulates before the rto and the bacteria process them . either way is fine. Also most upgrade slow, so thats ok.
Me, Id keep the can whaile you rehab the tank. Ive dont that before in a current tank.

I would be a good idea to run it as you clean or remove stuff.
I'm not too keen on the idea of removing the sand, I'm not sure it's necessary. I think vacuuming the sandbed would help more, or just turn it over with a turkey baster and let the canister remove the detritus. The canister needs to go after that. I had issues with just a hang-on back filter for mechanical and once I removed it the issues started going away. I think it lasted 3 weeks lol

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Some, like me use a two stage system, a skimmer and a mechanical filter similar to this
http://www.marinedepot.com/Tunze_Co...tent=TZ70250&gclid=COraxdflxdMCFVC5wAodwBULUg

Were I to spend the money, id look at the rodi first(or just look to purchase some, to heal up the biofilter. inexpensive test kits are pretty ok for most folks.
Id also look at a good bottled bacteria to insure the biofilter is strong.

 

[peasout05]

Ok clean and water change, more power heads and remove canister eventually and I need a protein skimmer. Do I need any other important equipment?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I would be a good idea to run it as you clean or remove stuff.
I'm not too keen on the idea of removing the sand, I'm not sure it's necessary. I think vacuuming the sandbed would help more, or just turn it over with a turkey baster and let the canister remove the detritus. The canister needs to go after that. I had issues with just a hang-on back filter for mechanical and once I removed it the issues started going away. I think it lasted 3 weeks lol

thats how I rehabbed my reef. I cleaned it weekly when I did a 5g water change. very easy. No media is the key. its just a filter.

and no dont remove the sand. dont clean it yet either leave it for late. Slow baby steps.

 

[peasout05]

And so what do you guys do for filtering? Just the live rock?

 

[BoomCorals]

Do you have a sump? You'd be prime to set up an algae turf scrubber.

 

[peasout05]

How do you vacuum sand without sucking it all up? Lol I feel like an idiot.

 

[reeferfoxx]

Ok clean and water change, more power heads and remove canister eventually and I need a protein skimmer. Do I need any other important equipment?

Proper test kits, bottled bacteria, and i really feel like we are missing something lol

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Me in my sumpless, Tunze in tank skimmer, hob refugium, live rock.

 

[peasout05]

No I dont have a sump I feel like that'd be ideal.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Proper test kits, bottled bacteria, and i really feel like we are missing something lol

Does @peasout05 have an ato? And the rodi unit or rodi source.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

No I dont have a sump I feel like that'd be ideal.

you dont NEED, one. its helpful.
I have one sumpless one sumped.

 

[reeferfoxx]

How do you vacuum sand without sucking it all up? Lol I feel like an idiot.

Using a gravel vacuum hose that you can find at any LFS or petsmart, just start the sifon and with one hand, pinch the hose to stop the water flow, and release the hose to vacuum.