Parameters need adjusting

[Ro Bow]

I desperately need to adjust some of my parameters. It isn't a total emergency for the tank itself, but they are causing some mayhem in my tank ~ algae-wise. My ALK, Ca, Ammonia, Nitrite, SG, and Temp are great (added them below), but my Phosphate and Nitrate are extremely low. This has caused a lot of algae. It hasnt stopped growing for 6+ months now. Here are the parameters. How should I adjust them? I need the algae gone asap, im 14 so this is all really complicated, and my parents are getting displeased by the algae - its preventing us from getting new corals. Any help appreciated.

Parameters:
SG: 1.025
Temp: 78 F
Nitrite: 0
Ammonia: 0
Nitrate: 0
Phosphate: 0
Calcium: 420ppm
Alk: 8.4

My tank currently:

 

[blaxsun]

First and foremost, you need to deal with the algae. Water changes alone aren't going to do it, and while you can augment your cleaning crew - it's probably going to be well beyond their ability to tackle. If you list what you currently have we can offer suggestions to enhance this.

Second, while you're working on addressing this - you need to keep the sides of the glass clean and change your filtration daily (something like disposable filter floss works great here). Also ensure you're not overfeeding.

Third, I would try to move or otherwise separate any corals (etc.) you have on those rocks. I would then take a container of new saltwater, place the rocks individually in one by one and scrub them with a toothbrush, etc. Rinse the rocks in another container of fresh saltwater before returning to the tank.

There are some products like FritzZyme Monster 460 that you can use after eliminating the bulk of the algae to help keep things in-check.

 

[Ro Bow]

First and foremost, you need to deal with the algae. Water changes alone aren't going to do it, and while you can augment your cleaning crew - it's probably going to be well beyond their ability to tackle. If you list what you currently have we can offer suggestions to enhance this.

Second, while you're working on addressing this - you need to keep the sides of the glass clean and change your filtration daily (something like disposable filter floss works here). Also ensure you're not overfeeding.

Third, I would try to move or otherwise separate any corals (etc.) you have on those rocks. I would then take a container of new saltwater, place the rocks individually in one by one and scrub them with a toothbrush, etc. Rinse the rocks in another container of fresh saltwater before returning to the tank.

I'll do that. However I am curious, wont scrubbing the rocks after removing them from the tank remove the beneficial algae as well?

 

[Ro Bow]

Also, the rock with the most algae on it has a feather duster in it... It is very delicate, how would I go about cleaning that rock? Thanks

 

[blaxsun]

I'll do that. However I am curious, wont scrubbing the rocks after removing them from the tank remove the beneficial algae as well?

Yes and no. At this point the green hair algae is running amok, so you need to deal with this in order to return some balance to your ecosystem.

With respect to the feather duster, if you can't remove him or the rock - you'll have to do your best to gently clean around him.

 

[Ro Bow]

Yes and no. At this point the green hair algae is running amok, so you need to deal with this in order to return some balance to your ecosystem.

With respect to the feather duster, if you can't remove him or the rock - you'll have to do your best to gently clean around him.

Thanks so much for your help

 

[Ro Bow]

I will work on this today and tomorrow and let you know how its doing. Thanks again, this is very helpful

 

[Rmckoy]

What test kits are you using ?
Zero nutrients isn’t good and I worry this outbreak could turn into Dino’s if not addressed .

personally … I’d scrub the algae off the rocks .

I would begin to research what’s available to dose both nutrients to raise them slightly .

 

[Ro Bow]

What test kits are you using ?
Zero nutrients isn’t good and I worry this outbreak could turn into Dino’s if not addressed .

personally … I’d scrub the algae off the rocks .

I would begin to research what’s available to dose both nutrients to raise them slightly .

I just scrubbed off a ton of algae. I use red sea

 

[Acrofiend]

Tuxedo urchins and manual removal. I always use my water change hose routed into a filter sock secured with a clamp in the sump.

 

[Ro Bow]

Thanks for all the helpful tips everyone. yesterday I did a 10% water change and afterwards used the water removed from the tank to scrub 2 large rocks. They are completely algae free! They finally have the color they should. I managed to scrub off only the GHA, not corraline which is lucky. Turns out I have bryopsis as well as GHA. Its gone on the rocks I scrubbed for now at least. Getting some herbivorous fish this Sunday