Constant glass algae growth

[IE Reefer]

Hey everyone,

I've been having this tank for almost 1.75 years and for whatever reason I've been having to scrape a thin layer of algae from the glass walls 2x or even 3x per day for the past 3-4 months! I know this started up after leaving town for two days, but I previously left for almost over a week (a couple of months before) and it didn't result in this. I'm unsure if this has to do with my parameters (I'm pretty sure it does) or something else. My parameters are as follows: Salinity: 1.025, temp: 77.5 F, pH: 7.8, Alk: 7.7dKH, Nitrate: 4.56ppm, Phos: 0.25ppm, Calcium: 500ppm, and Magnesium: 1320ppm.

 

[JGT]

Your PO4 is high which can cause algae to grow quickly.

 

[rhostam]

I had this problem on both of my tanks.

I over feed by keeping food in the water column. So that is my “why.”

Once I added a protein skimmer the cleaning went down from multiple times daily to just once a day.

When I populated my refugium, cleanings eventually went down to once every two or three days.

A week or so later my temporary UV arrived and I installed it. Ever since installing it I only have to clean tank about once every week maybe two.

If you have to pick something, I’d start by reducing feeding.

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

Uv. Biopellets. Ur.pick
D

 

[damsels are not mean]

Hey everyone,

I've been having this tank for almost 1.75 years and for whatever reason I've been having to scrape a thin layer of algae from the glass walls 2x or even 3x per day for the past 3-4 months! I know this started up after leaving town for two days, but I previously left for almost over a week (a couple of months before) and it didn't result in this. I'm unsure if this has to do with my parameters (I'm pretty sure it does) or something else. My parameters are as follows: Salinity: 1.025, temp: 77.5 F, pH: 7.8, Alk: 7.7dKH, Nitrate: 4.56ppm, Phos: 0.25ppm, Calcium: 500ppm, and Magnesium: 1320ppm.

Sounds like the algae had more time to solidify its hold on the glass and now the scrapings are not removing that. I think your scraper is not strong enough to remove this, but since you were regularly doing it before you prevented it from getting that hold. Maybe this is all crazy, but what do you use to scrape?

 

[GK3]

Hey everyone,

I've been having this tank for almost 1.75 years and for whatever reason I've been having to scrape a thin layer of algae from the glass walls 2x or even 3x per day for the past 3-4 months! I know this started up after leaving town for two days, but I previously left for almost over a week (a couple of months before) and it didn't result in this. I'm unsure if this has to do with my parameters (I'm pretty sure it does) or something else. My parameters are as follows: Salinity: 1.025, temp: 77.5 F, pH: 7.8, Alk: 7.7dKH, Nitrate: 4.56ppm, Phos: 0.25ppm, Calcium: 500ppm, and Magnesium: 1320ppm.

Your PH is pretty low for those parameters, phos is high. Also, how long are you running your lights? Lots of light and excess nutrients will creat algae.

 

[IE Reefer]

Sounds like the algae had more time to solidify its hold on the glass and now the scrapings are not removing that. I think your scraper is not strong enough to remove this, but since you were regularly doing it before you prevented it from getting that hold. Maybe this is all crazy, but what do you use to scrape?

Removing the algae isn't a problem at all, I can probably wipe it off with my finger and it will come off. I use Flipper Float Nano and will usually use the padding side (I'll use the razor when the algae is a little bit tougher than usual or greener)

 

[IE Reefer]

Your PH is pretty low for those parameters, phos is high. Also, how long are you running your lights? Lots of light and excess nutrients will creat algae.

I realize that, so I've modified my air silencer on my SCA-302 so that it will suck air in from my room and once I get back form from work, I'm planning to open up my window so that it could suck in the fresh air. What can I do to reduce my phosphates? I'm trying to gather a plan to stabilize my tank and that's one of the problems that I've encountered. Lights come on at 9 am and turn off at 11 pm, here is my full schedule. I have my lights on acclamation mode so that the lights can reduce its percentage at a controlled rate for my corals.

 

[IE Reefer]

I had this problem on both of my tanks.

I over feed by keeping food in the water column. So that is my “why.”

Once I added a protein skimmer the cleaning went down from multiple times daily to just once a day.

When I populated my refugium, cleanings eventually went down to once every two or three days.

A week or so later my temporary UV arrived and I installed it. Ever since installing it I only have to clean tank about once every week maybe two.

If you have to pick something, I’d start by reducing feeding.

I've only been feeding about once per day, and all the uneaten food goes to the hermit crabs and the bristle worms at night. I've been having an oversized skimmer since last summer (SCA-302 for a 37g Total Volume). I also have a refugium with chaeto growing and copepods, I'm using a Current USA light (my old light) with its colors adjusted to meet a refugium light expectancy. How much do UV's run for? I don't have that much spending money, so is there a cheap/affordable way to get one?

 

[IE Reefer]

Your PO4 is high which can cause algae to grow quickly.

Do you know of a way to reduce it?

 

[Jekyl]

Hey everyone,

I've been having this tank for almost 1.75 years and for whatever reason I've been having to scrape a thin layer of algae from the glass walls 2x or even 3x per day for the past 3-4 months! I know this started up after leaving town for two days, but I previously left for almost over a week (a couple of months before) and it didn't result in this. I'm unsure if this has to do with my parameters (I'm pretty sure it does) or something else. My parameters are as follows: Salinity: 1.025, temp: 77.5 F, pH: 7.8, Alk: 7.7dKH, Nitrate: 4.56ppm, Phos: 0.25ppm, Calcium: 500ppm, and Magnesium: 1320ppm.

Using RoDi?

 

[JGT]

Do you know of a way to reduce it?

Less feeding, or something like nopox or gfo.

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

Chemi pure elite would help too imo but needs replacing more.often than pellets. Uv either 24/7 or add a timer to save the bulb from burning out. Prob only really need to uv a tank for a cpl hrs a day depending the size of the uv and gph and tank.volume obviously.lol
D

 

[damsels are not mean]

Removing the algae isn't a problem at all, I can probably wipe it off with my finger and it will come off. I use Flipper Float Nano and will usually use the padding side (I'll use the razor when the algae is a little bit tougher than usual or greener)

Try razoring one side of the tank, then use the padding on the rest and see if that side grows back more slowly. At least worth a try.

 

[rhostam]

I've only been feeding about once per day, and all the uneaten food goes to the hermit crabs and the bristle worms at night. I've been having an oversized skimmer since last summer (SCA-302 for a 37g Total Volume). I also have a refugium with chaeto growing and copepods, I'm using a Current USA light (my old light) with its colors adjusted to meet a refugium light expectancy. How much do UV's run for? I don't have that much spending money, so is there a cheap/affordable way to get one?

An over sized skimmer? Is it performing well? i.e. producing good skimmate

What kind of food and how much in that single feeding?

Reducing feeding is a general tactic for elevated nutrients. But if you’re already controlling that, as others have stated, you can try other tactics.

That’s why I shared my journey dealing with the issue.

 

[IE Reefer]

An over sized skimmer? Is it performing well? i.e. producing good skimmate

What kind of food and how much in that single feeding?

Reducing feeding is a general tactic for elevated nutrients. But if you’re already controlling that, as others have stated, you can try other tactics.

That’s why I shared my journey dealing with the issue.

Oh, it works wonders. There hasn't been a problem with it at all. I use Rod's food and portion out about a penny to a dime-sized per feeding. I've been thinking about adding a reactor or a UV but I've been set back by their price or additional costs, would you happen to know of a cheap/affordable product?

 

[IE Reefer]

Try razoring one side of the tank, then use the padding on the rest and see if that side grows back more slowly. At least worth a try.

I'll give that a try tomorrow and I'll post pictures after cleaning and the day after.

 

[IE Reefer]

Chemi pure elite would help too imo but needs replacing more.often than pellets. Uv either 24/7 or add a timer to save the bulb from burning out. Prob only really need to uv a tank for a cpl hrs a day depending the size of the uv and gph and tank.volume obviously.lol
D

I've used Chemi pure Elite in the past and I'm pretty sure it worked pretty well for me, so I might just give it another shot.

 

[IE Reefer]

Using RoDi?

I use RO, RODI filters are a bit more expensive for me, but I still keep an eye out for one.

 

[Jekyl]

I use RO, RODI filters are a bit more expensive for me, but I still keep an eye out for one.

This could definitely be a source of your trouble. As others have said over stocking or feeding would be the other leading charge. Your numbers aren't terrible but the algae in the tank are taking some of the nutrients also.