I need help!
- Thread starter Ineedhelplikealot
- Start date
- Tagged users None
lpsouth1978
Valuable Member
Looks like the tank has A LOT of excess nutrients. How often do you clean that canister filter? Canisters need to be cleaned every few days to keep nitrates and phosphates down. All of the algae and cyano is feeding on those excess nutrients and causing the tank to look the way it does. I would get rid of the canister and do weekly water changes with manual removal of as much algae/cyano as possible each week. There are a lot of other things you can do, but I think this is the best way to start tackling it.
Mr. Mojo Rising
7500 Club Member
its all about nutrients in vs nutrients out. The mostly culprits are overfeeding, too much lighting, and not enough water changes. To counter, feed less, less hours light, and more water changes
I used to have a huge problem with GHA and had to scrub it off with a toothbrush. I used waste water and pulled out one piece of rock at a time and scrubbed it under water. I then rinsed with tank water before putting it back in. I second getting a good clean up crew. Good luck! many of us have been there. Decrease excess nutrients in the tank too! I cut back on feeding to every other day and decreased the amount I was feeding as well.
Oldreefer44
Valuable Member
Consistent water quality is the key to short and long term success. Agree that there are excess nutrients probably from feeding and/or non-RO water. Start testing on a routine basis and work to get your basis parameters in line.
Alk
CA
PO4
NO3
PH
for starters
Alk
CA
PO4
NO3
PH
for starters
DDenny
Valuable Member
Oh and welcome to Reef2Reef your in the right place we can help you get things back in tune and looking good. If your serious about getting in order. It’s going to take time and your probably going to get frustrated but don’t give up.
Captain Quint
Plank Owner of the Orca
@Ineedhelplikealot ...sorry about not noticing you just joined. Welcome to R2R. Hang in there, lots of great folks here will start trying to help resolve your issues.
Ed olson
Active Member
Looks like a lot is going on in that tank. Could you give us the details abut the tank itself and any water parameters you've tested for?
Moreover, I would start with a large water change 50% at least. I would manually remove as much of that algae by hand or with a siphon before the water change. Then I would clean every piece of equipment you have, including that canister filter, and the glass. Give the sand bed a decent vacuum as well if you can.
I would then start a regiment of 20% water changes every few days to help export nutrients.
You could also run a black out period(no lights) for a few days to help reduce the algae.
Are you using tap water or RO/DI water?
Also is that a zip tie on that powerhead? And if so, why is it there?
Moreover, I would start with a large water change 50% at least. I would manually remove as much of that algae by hand or with a siphon before the water change. Then I would clean every piece of equipment you have, including that canister filter, and the glass. Give the sand bed a decent vacuum as well if you can.
I would then start a regiment of 20% water changes every few days to help export nutrients.
You could also run a black out period(no lights) for a few days to help reduce the algae.
Are you using tap water or RO/DI water?
Also is that a zip tie on that powerhead? And if so, why is it there?
