brown algae established tank

STEVEN ADAMS

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
Apr 1, 2018
Messages
110
Reaction score
15
Location
Roy, Utah
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
HI all I am new to saltwater. planted tank for 5 years. I inherited a 35 gal established with a few different corals. its been two weeks since I moved it in. the side walls were covered in green algae. I scraped the two side walls off and left the green algae on back wall. the algae on back wall has since turned to brown algae. my filter and power head and glass is forming pretty heavy brown algae. reminds me of diatoms but maybe something different in saltwater? bought a couple snails that seem to be eating it but still wanna figure it out. did a water change one week ago. water parameters are 0 nitrate 0 phosphate 0 ammonia 600 calcium. calcium is way high would it have to do with algae? some people saying there should be some nitrate for corals? I was able to bring 30 gallons of original established water topped it off with 5 gals of RO water when I moved it in. what you guys think?

20180413_205750.jpeg


20180413_205712.jpeg
 
Normal after a tank move.
Do check your rodi water. I’d also add some good bottled bacteria.

600 does seem wrong. I’d retest. No probaly not the calcium making the algae grow.


I don’t sweat no3 much. It varies. Some like em a little higher for some corals.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/o...-reef-aquarium-by-randy-holmes-farley.173563/
I have tested calcium 3 times with the same result. I did dump a capful of calcium supplement into the water two different times. I should have waited for my test kit. I think most of my corals do not require much calcium anyway.
 
I have tested calcium 3 times with the same result. I did dump a capful of calcium supplement into the water two different times. I should have waited for my test kit. I think most of my corals do not require much calcium anyway. [/QUOT
I received my RODI system from the previous tank owner. How would I know if the canisters are still good. what should I look for?
 
Definitely need a tds meter. I have the in/out one attached to the unit but a handheld will work too. Some folks use both to be sure the TDS are 0.
You can also get chlorine /chloramine test strips to see if your carbon blocks are toast.
If you don’t know how long the membrane has been in you may want to replace that just to have a good starting point
 
I received my RODI system from the previous tank owner. How would I know if the canisters are still good. what should I look for?
Great thing is, filters are inexpensive. You can post a picture of your rodi or let us know the brand and we can help point you to refills.

Reefing rule #1: always be patient. If you think you are going slow, go slower.

Rule #2: Never dose anything you cant test for.
 
Great thing is, filters are inexpensive. You can post a picture of your rodi or let us know the brand and we can help point you to refills.

Reefing rule #1: always be patient. If you think you are going slow, go slower.

Rule #2: Never dose anything you cant test for.
funny thing I already knew rule #2 but did it anyway. I will try to follow rule #1 now haha.
 
here is a photo of my RO unit after looking at it closer the two canisters on the left are hooked up but the canister on the right is not hooked up to the system. It appears to be full of brown gel beads. what is this canister and do I need it to be hooked up. I ordered a TDS meter but it will be a couple days.

20180414_105645.jpeg
 
here is a photo of my RO unit after looking at it closer the two canisters on the left are hooked up but the canister on the right is not hooked up to the system. It appears to be full of brown gel beads. what is this canister and do I need it to be hooked up. I ordered a TDS meter but it will be a couple days.

20180414_105645.jpeg
This rodi looks exhausted. The DI resin on the far right is either dissolving or wasn't properly packed. The sediment filter on the far left is no longer white.

Unfortunately, i'm unable to find information about the Ultralife Reef Product(?) RO membrane up on top. However, the design looks like the common Universal RO/DI.

Looks similar to the BRS 75GPD(basic) - https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/75gpd-4-stage-value-ro-di-system-bulk-reef-supply.html

The 4-stage replacement kits are found here. This doesn't include the RO membrane. - $27 - https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/4-stage-chlorine-voc-replacement-filter-kit.html

The RO membrane - $35 - https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/75-gpd-reverse-osmosis-membrane-dow-filmtec.html

If your unit doesn't already have it, I also recommend the flush valve and flow restrictor to help prolong filter life.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/bulk...smosis-filters/reverse-osmosis-membranes.html

Bulk Reef supply has also created a list of how-to videos to help with upgrades, filter replacements, etc etc.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/video/video-category/How-To-and-Product-Reviews

You don't by any means have to purchase anything from them. This is to help you understand and learn the components. There are other RO/DI Filter providers like SpectraPure and 'Air, Water, and Ice'(?)
 
Last edited:
This rodi looks exhausted. The DI resin on the far right is either dissolving or wasn't properly packed. The sediment filter on the far left is no longer white.

Unfortunately, i'm unable to find information about the Ultralife Reef Product(?) RO membrane up on top. However, the design looks like the common Universal RO/DI.

Looks similar to the BRS 75GPD(basic) - https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/75gpd-4-stage-value-ro-di-system-bulk-reef-supply.html

The 4-stage replacement kits are found here. This doesn't include the RO membrane. - $27 - https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/4-stage-chlorine-voc-replacement-filter-kit.html

The RO membrane - $35 - https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/75-gpd-reverse-osmosis-membrane-dow-filmtec.html

If your unit doesn't already have it, I also recommend the flush valve and flow restrictor to help prolong filter life.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/bulk...smosis-filters/reverse-osmosis-membranes.html

Bulk Reef supply has also created a list of how-to videos to help with upgrades, filter replacements, etc etc.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/video/video-category/How-To-and-Product-Reviews

You don't by any means have to purchase anything from them. This is to help you understand and learn the components. There are other RO/DI Filter providers like SpectraPure and 'Air, Water, and Ice'(?)
how do I hook up the canister on the far right? what do the tubes need to be plugged into? I have watched some videos on how to pack the canister
 
how do I hook up the canister on the far right? what do the tubes need to be plugged into? I have watched some videos on how to pack the canister
This rodi looks exhausted. The DI resin on the far right is either dissolving or wasn't properly packed. The sediment filter on the far left is no longer white.

Unfortunately, i'm unable to find information about the Ultralife Reef Product(?) RO membrane up on top. However, the design looks like the common Universal RO/DI.

Looks similar to the BRS 75GPD(basic) - https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/75gpd-4-stage-value-ro-di-system-bulk-reef-supply.html

The 4-stage replacement kits are found here. This doesn't include the RO membrane. - $27 - https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/4-stage-chlorine-voc-replacement-filter-kit.html

The RO membrane - $35 - https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/75-gpd-reverse-osmosis-membrane-dow-filmtec.html

If your unit doesn't already have it, I also recommend the flush valve and flow restrictor to help prolong filter life.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/bulk...smosis-filters/reverse-osmosis-membranes.html

Bulk Reef supply has also created a list of how-to videos to help with upgrades, filter replacements, etc etc.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/video/video-category/How-To-and-Product-Reviews

You don't by any means have to purchase anything from them. This is to help you understand and learn the components. There are other RO/DI Filter providers like SpectraPure and 'Air, Water, and Ice'(?)
how would I know if any of these filters will fit my unit? I also cannot find info about ultralife reef product.
 
how do I hook up the canister on the far right? what do the tubes need to be plugged into? I have watched some videos on how to pack the canister
Maybe this video can help?

how would I know if any of these filters will fit my unit?
The canisters you have, look to be the standard universal size. Best way to tell, is to remove all the canisters and see how things compare. The Bulk Reef Supply website also sells parts. You could basically interchange pieces that you feel don't sit right.

Youtube is a great source for any RODI questions. Just ask in the search bar.
 
Maybe this video can help?


The canisters you have, look to be the standard universal size. Best way to tell, is to remove all the canisters and see how things compare. The Bulk Reef Supply website also sells parts. You could basically interchange pieces that you feel don't sit right.

Youtube is a great source for any RODI questions. Just ask in the search bar.
thanks I will look into it
 
Maybe this video can help?


The canisters you have, look to be the standard universal size. Best way to tell, is to remove all the canisters and see how things compare. The Bulk Reef Supply website also sells parts. You could basically interchange pieces that you feel don't sit right.

Youtube is a great source for any RODI questions. Just ask in the search bar.
Do I need the refillable canister for the beads that he inserts into the DI canister? currently the previous owner just threw beads into the canister. advantages?
 

IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

  • Yes!

    Votes: 32 45.7%
  • Not yet, but I have one that I want to buy in mind!

    Votes: 9 12.9%
  • No.

    Votes: 26 37.1%
  • Other (please explain).

    Votes: 3 4.3%
Back
Top