nuisance algae, please help

[kwp]

I have a 210 gallon fish only marine tank. My problem is I cant seem to get rid of annoying algae. I have good flow in my tank, a good quality skimmer, I run good quality carbon and a UV sterilizer. Water changes slow the algae, but after a few days after water change, the algae comes back. I have very low nitrates and 0 phosphates as tested with a Hannah phosphate checker. I dose lanthanum chloride in hopes of getting rid of the algae, but it has not helped. Any help is appreciated

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

You may have caused phosphate block and killed off the nitrifying bacteria. You may need to increase phosphate and dose bacteria similar to the method for dinos.

If this is the case the cyano or whatever the organism is is acting as the bio filter and feeding off the Ammonia directly.
You may want to test ammonia.

 

[lou dog420]

Need more nutrients

 

[lou dog420]

And looks like cyano to me.

 

[cracker]

Salty, Do to mean bacteria like Dr Tim's?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Salty, Do to mean bacteria like Dr Tim's?

Yes. One and only. Fritz is also good. Bio spira as well.

 

[mborn]

It looks like cyano to me too. Cyano will form mats on the sand to get nutrients directly from decaying detritus that accumulates there. So, your water can have low N and P but the cyano is getting all it needs directly from the detritus. You should get a gravel vac and remove as much detritus from the sand bed as you can. Also, you should be careful with dosing lanthanum to your tank, the precipitate can harm the gills of certain fish. I’ve seen this specifically with tangs.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

It looks like cyano to me too. Cyano will form mats on the sand to get nutrients directly from decaying detritus that accumulates there. So, your water can have low N and P but the cyano is getting all it needs directly from the detritus. You should get a gravel vac and remove as much detritus from the sand bed as you can. Also, you should be careful with dosing lanthanum to your tank, the precipitate can harm the gills of certain fish. I’ve seen this specifically with tangs.

Agreed.
As the tank ages and three bio filter Ramps up it then competes against the cyano

 

[cracker]

Thanks Salty & Thanks to Kwp . Great thread,I'm having the same issues !

 

[MnFish1]

Agreed.
As the tank ages and three bio filter Ramps up it then competes against the cyano

Curious - what is 'phosphate block'? I haven't heard that term

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Curious - what is 'phosphate block'? I haven't heard that term

Lack of Po4 and high no3 makes yucky stuff grow.
Found it both in sewage treatment , Aquaria and runoff articles.
Not surprisingly , the antidote is nutrient dosing in a massive scale.
Def worh a google.