So MUCH ALGAE

saltyfilmfolks · Sep 23, 2017

Just an ugly phase. Keep up the good work.

John Ostler · Sep 23, 2017

I have another possible reason (just from experience). What’s your specific gravity? and are you using a proper optical hydrometer or a needle? If you’re under 1.022 what you’re doing is simulating brackish runoff in a reef shallow. This can also be from adding too much tip-off water at once. Anyway, it’s just to say certain algae’s love it despite all other parameters looking great. Needle hydrometers can be wayyy off in my experience so you might take a peak at that.

Dom · Sep 23, 2017

savetheocean said:
Current USA Orbit Marine (100% 12 hours because its not a strong light)

Woah... that is a blanket statement.

There is a lot to consider when choosing lighting. Depth of the tank and its footprint are important. A light doesn't have to be strong, it just needs to be strong enough. As long as the light's spread reaches all corners of the tank and its intensity provides adequate intensity at the deepest part of the tank, the light is fine. If you aren't getting this, then you've chosen the wrong light IMO.

But I digress...

savetheocean · Sep 24, 2017

My salt is 1.025 and im 100% sure. I am about to do another water change, I just scrubbed the rocks so it sort of looks better.

KJ Coral shop · Sep 24, 2017

Have gotten rid of by using a mesh sock and air tubing to clean off algae, just like a water change but the mesh netting like a carbon bag is used to collect the algae. Try using a product called bacter clean md and continue to remove algae every day. Should take two weeks then a 20% water change and it should be gone! Just do not over feed fish or corals.

Dom · Sep 24, 2017

savetheocean said:
My salt is 1.025 and im 100% sure. I am about to do another water change, I just scrubbed the rocks so it sort of looks better.

Do you run a refugium?

savetheocean · Sep 24, 2017

Dom said:
Do you run a refugium?

I have a 20 gallon sump with different chambers.

Dom · Sep 24, 2017

savetheocean said:
No Phosphate test yet, I am still deciding on a good kit. Any ideas?

I'm partial to Red Sea testing kits. I find them to be a bit more complicated than the API kits. But with the added complexity comes accuracy.

Red Sea has what they call "Algae Control Multi Test Kit". Here is the link: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/red-sea-algae-control-multi-test-kit-no3-po4.html

It's no coincidence the kit has testing for Phosphates and Nitrates as they are food sources for algae.

I understand that you haven't tested for Phosphates yet. If it were my tank, I'd want to be testing for that if I had algae blooms. I wouldn't be surprised if your test results show that your phosphates are up.

Dom · Sep 24, 2017

savetheocean said:
I have a 20 gallon sump with different chambers.

Yes... but is one of those chambers a refugium?

A refugium is a chamber in your sump where you promote the growth of macro algae so that it uses up all of the phosphates and nitrates in the water. It is about controlling WHERE the algae grows in your system.

This is called Nutrient Export.

savetheocean · Sep 24, 2017

Dom said:
Yes... but is one of those chambers a refugium?

A refugium is a chamber in your sump where you promote the growth of macro algae so that it uses up all of the phosphates and nitrates in the water. It is about controlling WHERE the algae grows in your system.

This is called Nutrient Export.

I do not yet, I have an area that would be perfect for one too, (I also have a light I can add, knowing I would buy some macro algae down there)

savetheocean · Sep 24, 2017

How about Salifert Master Reef Testing Combo Kit - Saltwater Aquariums?
Im guessing my phosphates are high right now as you said, what can I do right now other than water changes?

jayala12 · Sep 24, 2017

Reduce your photoperiod by a few hours till u get it under control . Lots of flow and don't feed as much . Once a day is fine and only what they can consume in a few minutes

Dom · Sep 24, 2017

savetheocean said:
How about Salifert Master Reef Testing Combo Kit - Saltwater Aquariums?
Im guessing my phosphates are high right now as you said, what can I do right now other than water changes?

Water changes will help. You can also give Chemi Pure Elite a try as a means of bringing down phosphates until you get a refugium set up. But be sure it is the "Elite" as they add ferric oxide to help remove remove phosphates and silicates.

jimmyzhou · Sep 24, 2017

Rodi 0 tds + less feed fish only feed them what they can eat. Gfo change every 20-25 days and change fillter socks ever 2-3 day. Every week before change water always run a test. I did 15-20 % ever other week That's how I did it pho read on Hanna always 0.0-0.02

jimmyzhou · Sep 24, 2017

Or add on refugium with high power light it should be good

Fishie · Sep 24, 2017

i got rid of my cyano, my sand was red slimy often ...i started adding the chalk based imitation of Coral snow ...best $12 investment ever
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/diy-kz-coral-snow-with-97-purity.211722/

Donovan Joannes · Sep 24, 2017

saltyfilmfolks said:
Just an ugly phase. Keep up the good work.

Agree!. Don't sweat over cyno/algae on a 6 months old tank. Let it mature naturally, bacteria colonization will take some time. Going full force to control "everything" in a young tank is not the correct path to go. Mine took almost a year to mature. Just continue doing tank maintenance, feed your fish, monitor and make sure your nutrients is under control. Increase your water movement, change filter socks frequently (if you have any), clean sand bed and skim a bit wet. Going harsh against your tank will delay your tank maturity, and more problem down the road.

Dom · Sep 24, 2017

Donovan Joannes said:
Agree!. Don't sweat over cyno/algae on a 6 months old tank. Let it mature naturally, bacteria colonization will take some time. Going full force to control "everything" in a young tank is not the correct path to go. Mine took almost a year to mature. Just continue doing tank maintenance, feed your fish, monitor and make sure your nutrients is under control. Increase your water movement, change filter socks frequently (if you have any), clean sand bed and skim a bit wet. Going harsh against your tank will delay your tank maturity, and more problem down the road.

Hadn't realized the tank was so young. Wait it out. At that age, the problem will most likely self correct.