New-ish tank owner with algae issues

[Liquid360]

If it helps, my water always tested perfectly. Tests gave me zero info on my problem, but it was worth trying.

 

[TracyT0105]

Here's mine. The reactor sits right up next to sump, not inside it
.

Hmm.. Unfortunately that wouldn't fit in my cabinet. They really designed it for the sump to be a pretty tight fit.

 

[jsker]

The RODI unit is pretty new at this point. I always test it with the testing strips to make sure it's working right.

I would consider grabbing a seifrets test kit to double check. What type of lighting are you using

 

[TracyT0105]

So over feeding is not an issue. You should shorten the light period. My blue band is on 10 hours and white band is on 4 hours. Since you have a sum, is there room for a refugium to add cheato? You can also add a gfo reactor as suggested. Another option is to add a starry or lawnmower blenny. I don't have a starry blenny. My lawnmower blenny does a wonderful job controlling algea. Adding a fish to an established system can be a real pain because you have to QT the fish, and there is also compatibility consideration.

I actually added the chaeto to my refugium maybe a couple months ago and it took off so maybe I just have to wait for the algae to eventually be choked out of existence(ooh I like the sound of that).

 

[TracyT0105]

I would consider grabbing a seifrets test kit to double check. What type of lighting are you using

I'm not seeing that testing kit on amazon or google. Where would I find that? I'm using a Kessel A160

 

[cjd]

I think he means Salifert ;Cyclops

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I'm not seeing that testing kit on amazon or google. Where would I find that? I'm using a Kessel A160

Api is fine for most folks. (esp casual reefers)
Ive had my tanks tested across the board at many lfs.
Do double check expiration dates and possibly get the lfs to test.

 

[Peeptoad]

When you feed are you using frozen? Do you rinse/remove the liquid the frozen comes in? The liquid in the frozen can raise nutrient levels. Also do you keep any sort of filter floss/ or material like that in your baffles in the sump? That can raise nitrates if the gunk isn't removed. But when I see Algae I think Phosphates/CO2 Fluctuation. (Unless it's brown then I think Diatoms = Silicates)

 

[TracyT0105]

When you feed are you using frozen? Do you rinse/remove the liquid the frozen comes in? The liquid in the frozen can raise nutrient levels. Also do you keep any sort of filter floss/ or material like that in your baffles in the sump? That can raise nitrates if the gunk isn't removed. But when I see Algae I think Phosphates/CO2 Fluctuation. (Unless it's brown then I think Diatoms = Silicates)

I take water out of the tank into a cup and place the frozen stuff in it to melt then I pour it all into the tank. I have filter pads and bio balls as well as a filter sock in the sump. But, I probably should change and clean out those pads more often. Maybe that is the problem...

 

[dylana407]

Filter sock need to be cleaned every 3 days. I hear bio balls is also a nitrate factory.

 

[Peeptoad]

I would get rid of the Bio Balls!!! Also Just to see if it helps, drain the liquid in the food. I bet your nitrates are from the bioballs. Pads/Filters are great, but must be kept clean! Good Luck!

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Do you rinse/remove the liquid the frozen comes in?

I dont.

bio balls

That could be some of the build up.

 

[Liquid360]

I agree. Get rid of the balls.

 

[dylana407]

When I feed frozen, I strained out the juice. I never dump the whole thing in.

 

[dylana407]

When I feed my anemones I suck up the mysis but let the juice back in the cup and feed what's stuck to the turkey baster.

 

[dylana407]

I guess we now know the source of nitrate; bio balls, filter sock/pad and maybe juice..XD There are so many variables in this hobby.

 

[GoVols]

The API brand.

This is what I recommend, for what it's worth.
API cal and alk are decent.

Cal - Red Sea Pro
Alk - Hanna Alk Checker (I use the Red Sea Pro but you have to understand to endpoint)
Mag - Salifert
Phos. - Hanna Phos or ULR Checker
Nitrates - Salifert Nitrate Kit

 

[GoVols]

When I feed my anemones I suck up the mysis but let the juice back in the cup and feed what's stuck to the turkey baster.

(lol)
I have not spot fed my BTA's in two years.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

This is what I recommend, for what it's worth.
API cal and alk are decent.

Cal - Red Sea Pro
Alk - Hanna Alk Checker (I use the Red Sea Pro but you have to understand to endpoint)
Mag - Salifert
Phos. - Hanna Phos or ULR Checker
Nitrates - Salifert Nitrate Kit

I'm just so laid back Freddie...
I might even test my nitrates this month now though...

(insert chill surfer emoji)

 

[GoVols]

I guess we now know the source of nitrate; bio balls, filter sock/pad and maybe juice..XD There are so many variables in this hobby.

+1