Green Algae Problem

[3791eidde]

I am having some issues with some green algae. Not sure if it from my lights or not. What causes green algae? I have 6x39 T5HO 2, Coral Plus, 2, Blue Plus and 2 Purple Plus. I have them on for 12 hours a day. 8am the Blue goes on. 9am the Purple goes on. 10am the coral plus goes on. 6pm the Coral Plus goes off. 7pm the purple goes off, and 8pm the blue goes off and the moonlight goes on. Is this too much lights or is it part of the cycle. Tank has been running for about a month now. Been doing 2 water changes a week.

 

[10galclowns]

Make sure your getting water that has zero everything lol

 

[NanaReefer]

Light cycle is long, 8-10hrs being the norm.
But more then likely you've got a high nutrient/phosphate issue. Could be coming from several things. Rock, excess food stuff, poor water.
Make sure your using RO/DI water for changes/top off.
Rinse all frozen foods. Feed quality flake. Feed lightly.
Run a good skimmer. Running a good phosphate remover by way of a reactor or bag in high flow area helps tremendously.

 

[jomatty]

I am having a similar problem, though even more severe. After cycling my new 150 gallon aquarium went from brown to exploding with green and now it has gotten crazy. I used DI water rather than ro/di and am guessing that may be the problem, although it is the same di water that I use on my 40 gallon aquarium with no issues. Im cleaning it out and it does not seem to be growing back, but i have gotten algae growth in new aquariums before, but nothing like this. Anything I can do at this point other than clean it out, keep up with water changes, not feed too much etc.
Matty

 

[beaslbob]

The algae like all plant life uses nutrients (nitrogen,phosphates), Carbon dioxide, and light.

Depriving any of those the the algae will die off.

Or you can use a clearner crew that eats the algae as well.

But to me I would just kill the lights and suspend feeding until that dies off. Should only take a few days.

Then resume with less lighting and feeding and adjust so the good algae (corraline, macros) thrive but not the bad stuff.

I also use macro algae like chaetomorphia in a refugium to help consume the nutrients.


my .02

 

[3791eidde]

Thank you for the tips. I have 100% RO/DI in the tank. I have changed to 8 hours of light. Bought some Snails, Hermits, and Emerald Crabs. Only fish I have is a scooter Blenny and a Starry Blenny. Haven't put any fish food in there yet. Both Blennys are eating the algae. Looks better since adding the clean up crew. Still have lots on the glass. I don't have room for a Reactor on my current sump. Will putting a phosphate bag under the trickle make a difference?

 

[alberthiel]

I am having some issues with some green algae. Not sure if it from my lights or not. What causes green algae? I have 6x39 T5HO 2, Coral Plus, 2, Blue Plus and 2 Purple Plus. I have them on for 12 hours a day. 8am the Blue goes on. 9am the Purple goes on. 10am the coral plus goes on. 6pm the Coral Plus goes off. 7pm the purple goes off, and 8pm the blue goes off and the moonlight goes on. Is this too much lights or is it part of the cycle. Tank has been running for about a month now. Been doing 2 water changes a week.

Did you test your nitrates and phosphate levels? What were they if I may ask and also I would run your lights for 8 hours and not as long as you do now. Also, what water are you using? RO/DI ? It would appear that this is due to nutrient levels that are too high. If you post some results I am sure you will get some more advice. Mind you this has happened to a lot of us so you are not unique in getting this outbreak of GHA (green hair algae). Are you using a Nutrient removing compound and if so which one if I may ask.