Bloom

[Aaron88]

So on 5/25 I had the start a bloom I cleaned out the sump because is was covered in white slime stuff. After that the tank cleaned up for a few days now tonight boom another bloom and my water smells awe full. I’m running carbon and purigen. Any ideas why this is happening and how I can get this under control?

 

[Aaron88]

I’m thinking about adding a Purigen reactor to the tank?

 

[Maggie321]

Some specs would help, like how old is the tank? What are your parameters? Looks like you haven't been a member long. Welcome!

 

[Aaron88]

Some specs would help, like how old is the tank? What are your parameters? Looks like you haven't been a member long. Welcome!

Ph -8.4
NO3 -1
NO2 -0
AKL - 11
Cal -440
Mag - 1390
SG - 1.024

 

[Maggie321]

How old is the tank? I should say, how long has the tank been up and running?

 

[Aaron88]

It’s been going almost 4 months now.

 

[Maggie321]

Imho, it's probably just part of an ugly phase, you will see your tank go through lots of different algae and bacteria phases. Can you post a picture?

 

[Bayareareefer18]

I’m thinking about adding a Purigen reactor to the tank?

Purigen is much more affective being fluidized but you have to be very careful. It's super light so takes very little flow otherwise you end up with a big mess of purigen in the tank. I also found it needs a lot of tweaking as the purigen gets heavier as it loads up. Slight tumble is all you need

 

[Aaron88]

Imho, it's probably just part of an ugly phase, you will see your tank go through lots of different algae and bacteria phases. Can you post a picture?

Is the bad smell normal?

And no I don’t have a photo of that bloom. And as of right now it has cleared up again. I’m thinking about adding some stability to tank for the next couple of months.

 

[Aaron88]

Purigen is much more affective being fluidized but you have to be very careful. It's super light so takes very little flow otherwise you end up with a big mess of purigen in the tank. I also found it needs a lot of tweaking as the purigen gets heavier as it loads up. Slight tumble is all you need

Have you tried one with 1/2 Purigen and 1/2 carbon? I only have a 65g tank so I would wanna maximize the reactor.

 

[Maggie321]

Is the bad smell normal?

And no I don’t have a photo of that bloom. And as of right now it has cleared up again. I’m thinking about adding some stability to tank for the next couple of months.

I don't know what the smell is. If it is "rotten" smell, probably bad. But mine always has this "brine" smell. But I have to get my nose close to smell it. And i gabe a nose like a blood hound. My protein skimmer, however, smells awful.
I am glad it has cleared up. If it does it again, share a picture. Their will be more phases you'll go through. I think putting in bacteria is a good thing. Variety is healthy in a reef.
As far as mixing carbon with the other, I do not believe carbon is supposed to tumble, it will break small pieces off and irritate your tank inhabitants.