[mikey_rocks_]

Please help me to ID the algae that i have in my tank and the best plan of action to get rid of them. I recently arranged my rockwork again and in doing so i took them all out and siphoned the whole sand bed. Also cleaned filters and got a new canister because the other one had no flow left even after taking apart and cleaning.

Tank has been setup for 8 months

29 gallons

Canister filter for 50 gallons

HOT canister filter

feed once a day

Try to leave actinics on only all day (not helping)

3 week old light hood

 

[mikey_rocks_]

http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/12mavism/library/Mobile Uploads?sort=3&page=1

 

[mikey_rocks_]

http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/12mavism/profile/

 

[mikey_rocks_]

Hopefuly those links work for you to see the pictures. This site would not let me upload pictures

 

[mikey_rocks_]

I am not sure of the algae but if that is a GSP is looks pretty bleached as I am sure you already know. Did that start when the algae took over or is that because of something else?

Yes when the aglae overtook it it became bleached

 

[mikey_rocks_]

and are your parameters stable for long periods of time?

Yes. Literally 0 ppm for ammonia nitrites and nitrates. 8.2 pH.

 

[mikey_rocks_]

It just looks like regular cyano and green stuff to me, maybe some diatoms too. This is a good site to learn about different algaes http://www.reefcleaners.org/nuisance-algae-id-guide

What is your water source, and do you have any powerheads in the tank?

People seem to get better results from protein skimmer's than they do from canister filters.

I do have a pretty strong powerhead and do not use RO water. Would there be a major difference in algae growth if i did use RO?

Also whould it be more beneficial if i got rid of my 2 canisters and got a decent protein skimmer?

Thanks for the responses

 

[mikey_rocks_]

yeah, looks like cyano and a little green hair algae as well. canister's are notorious for getting nasty and causing high nitrates, could be fueling the algae issue.

Could you possibly give me the best tips/steps to rid my tank of all of the algaes currently residing in my tank? I'd very much appreciate it.

 

[mikey_rocks_]

Number one thing would be to use RODI water. Not using pure water is probably the biggest factor fueling your algae. I'd also drop the canisters. What size is the tank (edit: never mind - you already told us that ) and how much flow do you have?

I have a pretty good amount of flow. I could also get another powerhead if that would help.. i just don't want tooo much flow because of my recent purchases... (colt coral, pom pom xenia, giant duncan)

 

[mikey_rocks_]

Sometimes more flow right at the cyano (the purple stuff) can help, it tends to prefer dead spots.

Rodi and distilled water do not have the phosphates that fertilizes algae and cyano (which is technically a bacteria). It might take a while to clear up if you switch because it kind of soaks into the rocks and sand so the algae can take it straight from there until it is all cleared out.

A lot of people see an improvement when they get a good skimmer. I don't think 2 canister filters is doing much good.

The more you can pull off without hurting your corals, the better. Some people use a soft toothbrush and siphon out was comes off.

Okay, so ditch the 2 canisters and just go with a protein skimmer? Then get an RO unit? Recommendations for both would be helpful. Best value/quality ratio.

Then after that weekly water changes? And do i HAVE to scrape the algae off of everything or is there a way where it all just dies? I was reading into a 3-5 day blackout followed by a big water change to remove the released phospates but did not want to hurt my corals and other organisms ect....

 

[mikey_rocks_]

Honestly i have no clue the flow rate.. i am about to go and buy another powerhead as i type... and thank you for your recommendation