Thick carpet like algae

JTN · Dec 30, 2018

my rocks and back wall grow this thick carpet like algae that can’t be scrubbed off.
It doesn’t grow on the sand at all.
Nitrate is <1
Phosphate is undetectable
I run GFO

Any thoughts on how to treat?

Photo is with lights off

Flippers4pups · Dec 30, 2018

How long has your tank been running?

All water pramameters please.

Welcome to reef2reef!

jabberwock · Dec 30, 2018

Flippers4pups said:
How long has your tank been running?

All water pramameters please.

This, and...
black out that window.

Leadfooted · Dec 30, 2018

Get a black out cover for your tank, like Jabber said that windows going to ruin your tank. Scrubb algae, water change, repeat weekly. Reduce light period by 1-2 hours for a bit too. These are just a few suggestions but there’s more aggressive methods too.

Flippers4pups · Dec 30, 2018

Ambient light may be okay. Direct sunlight hitting the tank is a no no.

JTN · Dec 30, 2018

Flippers4pups said:
How long has your tank been running?

All water pramameters please.

Welcome to reef2reef!

Tanks been up a year
Alk 9.4
Calc 464
Phos 0
Nitrate <1
Salinity 35

JTN · Dec 30, 2018

Flippers4pups said:
Ambient light may be okay. Direct sunlight hitting the tank is a no no.

The first pic was a little deceiving, the blinds next to the tank stay closed.
Also is a reefer 170 (45gal) been doing 15gal weekly water changes.

Kelso · Dec 30, 2018

Research peroxide as a spot treatment. I have used it on small rocks outside the tank. If applied with a QTip you can control the application and control wicking. I also use a squeeze bottle filled with aquarium water to rinse before and after scrubbing with a toothbrush. I also have a set of stainless dental tools used to pick and scrape the tiny hard to reach areas and I use one of those illuminated magnifiers on a stand to aid my bifocals... can't clean what you can't see.... lol.