Help with algae!!!

[Dre619]

So I had to leave for work for couple of weeks. Had somebody make sure my tank was good. Unfortunately my trip was extended to about 3 months. I am now back, my tank is doing good! All corals survived and parameters are stable.
My question is, how do I tackle the algae on the glass ?? Do I just scrape it off and hope my filter catches it or is there a better solution ?? Thanks reefers

 

[muzikalmatt]

Just scrape it off with a glass scraper and maybe turn up your powerhead to to get it suspended in the water column and into your filtration. Won't harm anything. No worries! Glad your tank did well in your absence!

 

[bnord]

I would just scape it off slowly and carefully and late in the day change/clean whatever mechanical media you are using.
easy -
glad that is all you had to deal with after 3 months

 

[GARRIGA]

Scrape and syphon if worries about spreading spores or might over burden the filtration. Could also go dark for four days which might help scraping later.

I just use the white eraser pads and take what I can off. They are cheap. Just throw them away. Can slice into smaller pieces. Grabs the green algae well. Less effort than using a mag scraper. Just need to get hands wet unless strapped to a stick.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Scraping as mention will help but I have a high suspicion as to why you are getting this:

By any chance is your tank at or near a window?
Are you using RODI water or tap water from the faucet ?
What is your phosphate level?
Are you feeding the corals and with what foods?

 

[Dre619]

Scraping as mention will help but I have a high suspicion as to why you are getting this:

By any chance is your tank at or near a window?
Are you using RODI water or tap water from the faucet ?
What is your phosphate level?
Are you feeding the corals and with what foods?

Near a window but the window stays drawn and closed. Using RODI water for top ups. Phosphate I’m not sure right now and not I am not feeding corals

 

[vetteguy53081]

Near a window but the window stays drawn and closed. Using RODI water for top ups. Phosphate I’m not sure right now and not I am not feeding corals

As suspected- I can assure you its the window. You'd be surprised the Power of UV and indirect light. UV will penetrate shades, blinds and some curtains.
Ive had persons do the blackout test using black 30"X30" construction paper from Wmart at 92 cents and place over glass facing window for 5 day and they stated " You were right"
My Pet store tanks faced the window and this also happened. I placed tint on top portion of windows and the uv went right through it. Then I had them Professionally tinted top to Bottom and it subsided.

 

[Dre619]

As suspected- I can assure you its the window. You'd be surprised the Power of UV and indirect light. UV will penetrate shades, blinds and some curtains.
Ive had persons do the blackout test using black 30"X30" construction paper from Wmart at 92 cents and place over glass facing window for 5 day and they stated " You were right"
My Pet store tanks faced the window and this also happened. I placed tint on top portion of windows and the uv went right through it. Then I had them Professionally tinted top to Bottom and it subsided.

dang that is a bummer! Okay maybe it is time to move my tank then! I have like a huge paiting covering the window at the moment thinking that will block out the UV

 

[fish farmer]

If this is 3 months of algae buildup where I assume the person taking care of the tank wasn't doing any serious cleaning, maybe doing a little bit extra feeding, then I would scrape maybe siphon it out and not worry about it. This doesn't look like a problem.

If this build up happened weekly due to window exposure or some other factors then address it.

 

[Dre619]

If this is 3 months of algae buildup where I assume the person taking care of the tank wasn't doing any serious cleaning, maybe doing a little bit extra feeding, then I would scrape maybe siphon it out and not worry about it. This doesn't look like a problem.

If this build up happened weekly due to window exposure or some other factors then address it.

Yes thats what I was thinking. Told them not to clean as I was only suppossed to be gone for 2 weeks not 3 months. Im assuming its just the buildup of neglecting the cleaning part. We will see then!

 

[vetteguy53081]

dang that is a bummer! Okay maybe it is time to move my tank then! I have like a huge paiting covering the window at the moment thinking that will block out the UV

Painting may be a good bet