Skimmers and algae

[Newreefer94]

So I picked up a seaclone protein skimmer yesterday. Yes I know they have there problems but I am on a budget and can’t afford the expensive things. How long does it take to start skimming?


I also have got a crazy bad algae problem going on right now. What can i do? What kind of inverts are best at cleaning algae and are fairly cheap?

 

[shred5]

That is not crazy bad. It looks like your typical diatom bloom that a new tank goes through.

 

[NinnJinn]

I have had very good luck with trochus snails period. But one word of advice once there's no algae be sure to give them some.

And also to not buy a cuc assortment pack Imo they include too many cuc Critters I bought five trochus snails for my 125 gallon.

Also with the trochus snails if they fall off of your rock work or they fall off the glass they have the ability to Upright themselves.

 

[NinnJinn]

As for the skimmer, that was the piece of equipment that was the biggest pain in my behind. At times they can be very finicky. Especially on a new aquarium. But one thing I did was ran it for several hours in a vinegar solution and then rinsed it extremely well. You will have times where the skimmer likes to overflow.

 

[Newreefer94]

As for the skimmer, that was the piece of equipment that was the biggest pain in my behind. At times they can be very finicky. Especially on a new aquarium. But one thing I did was ran it for several hours in a vinegar solution and then rinsed it extremely well. You will have times where the skimmer likes to overflow.

When you mean over flow are you talking about the collection cup being to full and goes over or the main water level gets to high

 

[Newreefer94]

I have had very good luck with trochus snails period. But one word of advice once there's no algae be sure to give them some.

And also to not buy a cuc assortment pack Imo they include too many cuc Critters I bought five trochus snails for my 125 gallon.

Also with the trochus snails if they fall off of your rock work or they fall off the glass they have the ability to Upright themselves.

So a small amount of algae is good?

I just want something to keep it under control.

 

[Newreefer94]

That is not crazy bad. It looks like your typical diatom bloom that a new tank goes through.

It looks worse in person. Everyday I am cleaning the glass.

 

[Ron Reefman]

It looks worse in person. Everyday I am cleaning the glass.

Let it go and clean it every 3 or 4 days. It will take time (1-4 weeks) for the diatoms to use up all the food in the water. Just keep harvesting it every few days and eventually it will ALMOST stop growing. Every new tank goes through this phase. As your tank matures it will become more and more stabile and you'll have less and less issues with minor stuff like this diatom bloom.

Good luck and keep asking questions... and reading the stickies and articles here that are meant to help you.

 

[Newreefer94]

Let it go and clean it every 3 or 4 days. It will take time (1-4 weeks) for the diatoms to use up all the food in the water. Just keep harvesting it every few days and eventually it will ALMOST stop growing. Every new tank goes through this phase. As your tank matures it will become more and more stabile and you'll have less and less issues with minor stuff like this diatom bloom.

Good luck and keep asking questions... and reading the stickies and articles here that are meant to help you.

Thank you, I looked this morning at my skimmer and I had brown water in the cup and I was so happy.

I have got one clown fish I the tank and a snail. Just going to leave those 2 in the tank for awhiwl

 

[Ron Reefman]

You'll be fine. Take your time. There is an old saying among people who keep reef tanks, "Nothing good happen quickly in a reef tank!"

 

[sandswhitson]

My guess is you will have much worse algae than what is in your tank right now. As stated earlier take it slow and dont overfeed or leave your lights on for too long.

 

[Newreefer94]

My guess is you will have much worse algae than what is in your tank right now. As stated earlier take it slow and dont overfeed or leave your lights on for too long.

I am probably going to set a timer for the lights. Only on for a couple hours a day. I moved the tank away from any windows to see if that helps

 

[sandswhitson]

Moving it away from a window will definently help. Natural sunlight can cause algae to grow fast.

 

[Newreefer94]

Moving it away from a window will definently help. Natural sunlight can cause algae to grow fast.

It looks way better. I cleaned almost all the algae off the glass but left it on the rock. My skimmer is running and pulling nasty stuff out