Phosphates.....?

versivix · 09-30-2005, 09:47 PM

I have a growing bubble algae problem in my tank of 2 months. I have a 46 gal. Bow tank with 45 lbs. of LR. SKimmer has been running since day 1. All my levels test perfectly. My salinity is 1.024. I have bubble algae? The LR was cured when I bought it. I bought a phosphate tester and just tested the phosphates. They tested at .01 I am not sure if thats normal or not? What could be causing the bubble issues if all the levels test correctly ? My skimmer is releasing some micro bubbles in the tank? I JUST put in a powerhead the other day to help with curculation as well.

coralfreak · 09-30-2005, 09:53 PM

What type of bubble algae it is, macro? What color? Maybe you introduced it with the rock, if all the levels are ok.

reef_noob · 09-30-2005, 09:59 PM

The problem is that phosphate tests are unreliable. They only measure free phosphate in the water column. In a phosphate limited system, such as a reef tank, the phosphate is quickly used up by the various oranisms in the tank. Nuisance algaes are nuisances because they can very efficiently use up nutrients such as phosphate. This means that your phosphate is all bound up in the algae and is not measurable.

A couple of questions:

What is your feeding schedule?

How many/what kinds of fish?

Do you use RO/DI water?

versivix · 09-30-2005, 09:59 PM

Its individual green bubbles..Smaller than a marble.....

versivix · 09-30-2005, 10:01 PM

I dont have any fish in the tank yet. 2 months old.

No feeding.

Dont use RO/DI

I tested the tap water for phosphates and it came back 0 ?

I dont know what to think now ?

coralfreak · 09-30-2005, 10:05 PM

Thanks for the useful info reef_noob. As he said, phosphate test kits are very unreliable. The main reason for this algae is the tap water your using believe me, been there done that. Also your tank is not that old and this is more common in new setups like yours. What skimmer are you running right now? Any other type of filtration in your tank?

unleashed · 09-30-2005, 10:06 PM

it was most likely on your LR when purchased .they do make a phosphate remover filter pad you cut to fit your filter system.I use this in all my tanks change it every 2-3 weeks depending on tank size and bioload.used in conjuntion with amonia removal pads and carbons.

versivix · 09-30-2005, 10:10 PM

I am running the Bak Pak II skimmer. No other filtration besides the LR. So you really think its the tap water huh? I guess I should buy an RO/DI ?

reef_noob · 09-30-2005, 10:11 PM

coralfreak · 09-30-2005, 10:15 PM

Believe me is the tap water and all the pollutants it contains what give the algae the energy to grow. A RO/DI is a must in reef keeping and I learned it the hard way, you can find very good units for less money at ebay. If you are interested let me now, there's a lot of people here using them and they are very happy with them.

unleashed · 09-30-2005, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by versivix

I am running the Bak Pak II skimmer. No other filtration besides the LR. So you really think its the tap water huh? I guess I should buy an RO/DI ?

I only use tap water and never had algae problems 3 1/2 yrs in sw

reef_noob · 09-30-2005, 10:19 PM

That makes you one of very few.

coralfreak · 09-30-2005, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unleashed

I only use tap water and never had algae problems 3 1/2 yrs in sw

You're a lucky one for having great tap water in your town.

DSB · 09-30-2005, 10:29 PM

Time for an ro/di unit don't wait til it's to late. Bite the bullet, before it hits the bone.

versivix · 09-30-2005, 10:51 PM

****...I guess Im forced to get one now. Someone mentioned they know of some on Ebay. Id be more than happy to save a few dollars ! I may have a problem here with the bubble algae though. Its spreading. I cant take all the LR out and scrub it. Its not on all of it but it is on some. I bought 2 Emerald Crabs yesterday...They are active but have yet to touch the bubble algae. I am hoping they do.....