New guy with a lot of issues

[Cast]

Hello there,

I am writing because I am fairly new to the hobby but seem to have collected quite the list of problems over the last year or so.

I will start with tank parameters.

Parameters:

• Water Volume 300g
• Salinity 35
• Alk 7.5
• Calcium 420
• Mag 1290
• Nitrate > 5
• Phosphate 0.07

The Good:

All corals and fish seem happy and growing. I struggled quite a bit early on with getting my corals in a happy place but now everything is thriving.

The Bad:

1. Bubble Algae ( I have 4 Emerald Crabs but they are not keeping up )
2. Clove Polyps
3. Possibly Bryopsis (although not entirely sure and has not taken over my tank)
4. Vermetid Snails (trying to keep up by crushing the little jerks)
5. Every other type of algae (yes its getting

Now I did have a massive die off a few months ago of all my Trochus Snails which where my main CUC because I may have overdosed my tank with iodine (the only reason I can see for the die off) I work out of town so I haven't had a lot of time to replace CUC which might be leading to some problems.

I guess right now I am feeling a little overwhelmed and I'm really trying to figure out how to combat some of these problems

1. Go the Vibrant route and try and wipe out the bubble algae, bryopsis and other forms of algae slowly taking over my tank?
2. Purchase a few hundred dollars of CUC and hope it can take care of the problems (Emerald crabs, Nass, Trochus etc)
3. Pull the fish and put them into another tank, frag what I can do safely without bringing these issues back to the tank, drain, clean the tank, bleach the rock and start over.
4. Quit haha please don't pick this one

I appreciate the input and thank you.

 

[T-J]

Vibrant worked for me. You can also up your CUC like you said. If you don't have any fish that eat algae, perhaps add them to your tank? Lettuce sea slug can help with hair algae.
Best to manually pull what you can. Reduce phosphate. Perhaps reduce lighting (especially red and green channels).
Just throwing some ideas out there.

 

[ScottR]

I’d give vibrant a try. It’s a heterotrophic bacteria but it takes time (maybe 4 weeks to see a difference). It will help with bubble algae. For bryopsis, try flucanozole.

 

[ScottyD36]

Hello there,

I am writing because I am fairly new to the hobby but seem to have collected quite the list of problems over the last year or so.

I will start with tank parameters.

Parameters:

• Water Volume 300g
• Salinity 35
• Alk 7.5
• Calcium 420
• Mag 1290
• Nitrate > 5
• Phosphate 0.07

The Good:

All corals and fish seem happy and growing. I struggled quite a bit early on with getting my corals in a happy place but now everything is thriving.

The Bad:

1. Bubble Algae ( I have 4 Emerald Crabs but they are not keeping up )
2. Clove Polyps
3. Possibly Bryopsis (although not entirely sure and has not taken over my tank)
4. Vermetid Snails (trying to keep up by crushing the little jerks)
5. Every other type of algae (yes its getting

Now I did have a massive die off a few months ago of all my Trochus Snails which where my main CUC because I may have overdosed my tank with iodine (the only reason I can see for the die off) I work out of town so I haven't had a lot of time to replace CUC which might be leading to some problems.

I guess right now I am feeling a little overwhelmed and I'm really trying to figure out how to combat some of these problems

1. Go the Vibrant route and try and wipe out the bubble algae, bryopsis and other forms of algae slowly taking over my tank?
2. Purchase a few hundred dollars of CUC and hope it can take care of the problems (Emerald crabs, Nass, Trochus etc)
3. Pull the fish and put them into another tank, frag what I can do safely without bringing these issues back to the tank, drain, clean the tank, bleach the rock and start over.
4. Quit haha please don't pick this one

I appreciate the input and thank you.

I hate vibrant personally I used it once on my tank and within few hours killed alot of my CUC crew. I personally would go with a more diverse CUC crew to see if that works. I am a big fan of Pitho Crabs and Sea Urchins over emerald crabs.

 

[hhaase]

First thing I'd recommend is to take a deep breath, algae happens. Don't worry so much about an immediate fix, but worry about the systemic issue to get it under control and keep it from recurring. Think long term. You don't just want a clean tank this weekend, you want a clean tank for the next decade, right?

What kind of filtration system are you running? For 300 gallons, I assume you've got a sump/refugium in there? What kind of filter media? Skimmer? Algae scrubber? Refugium with chaeto? Any media reactors? What's your water change schedule? What are the parameters of your change water? Let's get a good picture of what your system consists of, so that we can help you find the right balance. Once you get the system balanced, it's smooth sailing. It's just frustrating to find that sometimes.

A good CUC is nice, but that just means they are consuming the physical algae. Then they excrete their own waste, and it grows back into new algae. You still need to get the nutrients exported out of the system. Otherwise it all just grows back as the nutrients increase.

 

[Lowlandreef]

Hello there,

I am writing because I am fairly new to the hobby but seem to have collected quite the list of problems over the last year or so.

I will start with tank parameters.

Parameters:

• Water Volume 300g
• Salinity 35
• Alk 7.5
• Calcium 420
• Mag 1290
• Nitrate > 5
• Phosphate 0.07

The Good:

All corals and fish seem happy and growing. I struggled quite a bit early on with getting my corals in a happy place but now everything is thriving.

The Bad:

1. Bubble Algae ( I have 4 Emerald Crabs but they are not keeping up )
2. Clove Polyps
3. Possibly Bryopsis (although not entirely sure and has not taken over my tank)
4. Vermetid Snails (trying to keep up by crushing the little jerks)
5. Every other type of algae (yes its getting

Now I did have a massive die off a few months ago of all my Trochus Snails which where my main CUC because I may have overdosed my tank with iodine (the only reason I can see for the die off) I work out of town so I haven't had a lot of time to replace CUC which might be leading to some problems.

I guess right now I am feeling a little overwhelmed and I'm really trying to figure out how to combat some of these problems

1. Go the Vibrant route and try and wipe out the bubble algae, bryopsis and other forms of algae slowly taking over my tank?
2. Purchase a few hundred dollars of CUC and hope it can take care of the problems (Emerald crabs, Nass, Trochus etc)
3. Pull the fish and put them into another tank, frag what I can do safely without bringing these issues back to the tank, drain, clean the tank, bleach the rock and start over.
4. Quit haha please don't pick this one

I appreciate the input and thank you.

I think the best way to start is finding the cause of your issues. From what I read I suspect it has something to do with overfeeding. Vemetids will thrive and unwanted algae will grow (I've had the same issue). But it might be helpful to first get to know more about your system before jumping to conclusions.

- What kind of water do you use for water changes? Do you use tap water or RO/DI water?
- How much do you feed daily?
- What kind of filtration do you use?
- Is your tank near a window?
- Do you have a heavy bioload?

 

[Jekyl]

For CuC check out reefcleaners.org

 

[kitpoon0315]

Agreed with everyone who is mentioning underlying causes so I won't go into that. The symptoms (algae excess, snails) are somewhat more in your face but understand why they are thriving will definitely be more helpful in solving your case.

 

[schuby]

I used to have a lot a valonia (bubble algae). Now I have some but it doesn't seem to be growing or spreading, just existing.

I've added bio-diversity to my tank with several shipments from IPSF.com and feeding my tangs fresh clams.
I purchased WonderMud, Live Sand Activator, bristle worms, spaghetti worms, and amphipods (package deal) and mini brittle-stars in August from IPSF.com. I later purchased more spaghetti worms and mini stars. I'm expecting the bristle worms and spaghetti worms will help my 2-3" sand-bed function at its best (de-nitirfication and other anaerobic things).

I have white sponges growing in my tank. I don't know the source, but I'm happy to have them. I think they've helped stabilize my tank alot. From what I've read about sponges, they are terrific at filtering a reef tank and supply coral-food from there sloughed-off cells. Next week, I'm getting some seed rocks with many type of cryptic sponges on them from reeffarmers.com. I have to clean the filter-floss around my return pumps more frequently now due to sponges growing in them, but it is worth it.

 

[Cast]

First thing I'd recommend is to take a deep breath, algae happens. Don't worry so much about an immediate fix, but worry about the systemic issue to get it under control and keep it from recurring. Think long term. You don't just want a clean tank this weekend, you want a clean tank for the next decade, right?

What kind of filtration system are you running? For 300 gallons, I assume you've got a sump/refugium in there? What kind of filter media? Skimmer? Algae scrubber? Refugium with chaeto? Any media reactors? What's your water change schedule? What are the parameters of your change water? Let's get a good picture of what your system consists of, so that we can help you find the right balance. Once you get the system balanced, it's smooth sailing. It's just frustrating to find that sometimes.

A good CUC is nice, but that just means they are consuming the physical algae. Then they excrete their own waste, and it grows back into new algae. You still need to get the nutrients exported out of the system. Otherwise it all just grows back as the nutrients increase.

Filtration: Sump, Chaeto, Large Skimmer, some Fluval Bio-Max Rings.

Calcium Reactor.

Media Reactors: I have some and lots of gfo but I haven't been using it because my nitrates and phosphates seem like they are in the right range?

Water Changes: I have been doing auto WC using DOS of 3g per day.

Water Parameters: For new water I use RedSea Blue Bucket so pretty close to my tank parameters.

ATO: RODI Water with 0 TDS

 

[Cast]

I think the best way to start is finding the cause of your issues. From what I read I suspect it has something to do with overfeeding. Vemetids will thrive and unwanted algae will grow (I've had the same issue). But it might be helpful to first get to know more about your system before jumping to conclusions.

- What kind of water do you use for water changes? Do you use tap water or RO/DI water?
- How much do you feed daily?
- What kind of filtration do you use?
- Is your tank near a window?
- Do you have a heavy bioload?

I use RODI TDS 0 for water changes with RedSea BlueBucket
I feed 1 frozen cube a day (sometimes twice) , or pellets, or flake plus some nori
Filtration: Sump, Chaeto, Large Skimmer, some Fluval Bio-Max Rings.
Yes the tank is near a window but with heavy wooden blinds that stay closed.
BIO load for a tank this size is actually pretty low I would think not a ton of fish maybe 20 but mostly small stuff.

 

[Cast]

For CuC check out reefcleaners.org

Im also in Canada so CUC is expensive here. Usually around $3-7 per snail for example.

 

[Jekyl]

Im also in Canada so CUC is expensive here. Usually around $3-5 per snail for example.

Do they not ship to Canada?

 

[CanuckReefer]

Do they not ship to Canada?

Nope, its a headache. But @Fragbox Corals would be an option.

 

[vetteguy53081]

• Alk 7.5- should be 8-9
• Calcium 420- elevate to 420
• Mag 1290 - elevate to 1300

The Bad:

1. Bubble Algae - reduction in white intensity and time on will reduce along with use of vibrant
2. 
   
3. Possibly Bryopsis - Some pics would be helpful to confirm
4. Vermetid Snails - Crushing them has no effect. Remove entire tube from the base or place Gel superglue over the tube opening
5. Every other type of algae - Even with wooden blinds, UV rays are strong and will have effect

Add additional snails: Astrea, cerith, nerite, margarita and a couple of fighting conchs plus 12 caribbean blue eg hermits

 

[CanuckReefer]

Hello there,

I am writing because I am fairly new to the hobby but seem to have collected quite the list of problems over the last year or so.

I will start with tank parameters.

Parameters:

• Water Volume 300g
• Salinity 35
• Alk 7.5
• Calcium 420
• Mag 1290
• Nitrate > 5
• Phosphate 0.07

The Good:

All corals and fish seem happy and growing. I struggled quite a bit early on with getting my corals in a happy place but now everything is thriving.

The Bad:

1. Bubble Algae ( I have 4 Emerald Crabs but they are not keeping up )
2. Clove Polyps
3. Possibly Bryopsis (although not entirely sure and has not taken over my tank)
4. Vermetid Snails (trying to keep up by crushing the little jerks)
5. Every other type of algae (yes its getting

Now I did have a massive die off a few months ago of all my Trochus Snails which where my main CUC because I may have overdosed my tank with iodine (the only reason I can see for the die off) I work out of town so I haven't had a lot of time to replace CUC which might be leading to some problems.

I guess right now I am feeling a little overwhelmed and I'm really trying to figure out how to combat some of these problems

1. Go the Vibrant route and try and wipe out the bubble algae, bryopsis and other forms of algae slowly taking over my tank?
2. Purchase a few hundred dollars of CUC and hope it can take care of the problems (Emerald crabs, Nass, Trochus etc)
3. Pull the fish and put them into another tank, frag what I can do safely without bringing these issues back to the tank, drain, clean the tank, bleach the rock and start over.
4. Quit haha please don't pick this one

I appreciate the input and thank you.

In looking , I don't think you have 'a lot ' of issues but some nagging ones. I suffer same with the bloody vermiteds. Not sure They will ever leave me.
I would personally invest in CUC. And maybe not a massive amount but just a few of the right members.
I have a Sea Cucumber, Strawberry Conch, and Brittle star that all work to keep my sandbed spotless. Next I would consider an Urchin pincushion or short spine black. They are a bit of bulldozers but they are highly effective for clearing out algae on rockwork.
Trochus for snails always seem my best workers, Astrea are half decent as well.

I'm an hour outside Toronto, not sure where you located, but pm me and sure I can suggest a few places to help getting the stuff you need that is quality and of decent price point.

 

[Cast]

Do they not ship to Canada?

I’m not sure how it works bringing livestock across the boarder?

 

[Cast]

Here is a photo of what could be Bryopsis?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Its what I thought - Its called gelidium. Many species of short creeping red algae exist so the hobby generally lumps all of them under the heading Gelidium, (the genus that is home to many of those species), and the common name Red Turf Algae, or Red Wiry Algae. removal is Difficult. Macros that have fragile runners and creep along the rock are the hardest to manually remove. Do the best you can. Use a dental pick to remove it if possible. Fragments of the algae can spread though, so make sure to net any pieces that break loose. Yeah I know, it is boring as can be, but if you do it once surgically with a dental pick the problem goes away for good. If you can take the rock out, all the better.
After removing all you can, get some helper to attack this such as Emerald Crabs, urchins, large turbo snails and even fighting conch and worth the expense to canada.

 

[Lowlandreef]

I use RODI TDS 0 for water changes with RedSea BlueBucket
I feed 1 frozen cube a day (sometimes twice) , or pellets, or flake plus some nori
Filtration: Sump, Chaeto, Large Skimmer, some Fluval Bio-Max Rings.
Yes the tank is near a window but with heavy wooden blinds that stay closed.
BIO load for a tank this size is actually pretty low I would think not a ton of fish maybe 20 but mostly small stuff.

Everything sounds pretty good so I can't really think of an underlying issue. Maybe you can try to extend the period of your refugium to lower nitrates and phosphates. This should have an effect on the algae in the tank. Basically make your chaeto outcompete the other algae's.

I would also recommend to put al pumps of when feeding. By doing so you can make sure al the fish eat the food. Broadcast feeding also feeds your vermetids and some food will break down causing higher nutrients. Vermetids are a pain, I'm battling them right now as well. I had a yellow wrasse in the past who ate them, but my current one doesn't. Bumble bee snails seem to eat them as well, so might be worth getting some of those.

As for CUC it might be more effective to get some algae grazing fish like a foxface or some tangs. I've heard foxfaces also eat bubble algae, which would be a bonus in your case. In addition I would also get a variety of snails to eat the smaller algae and in hard to reach places for fish.

I hope all the information in the thread will help you battle that algae! Good luck and keep us op to date