Algae Problem

[ST3PH3N]

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa117/st3ph3nkr3t/IMG_0493.jpg

this is the algae on my glass with uv sterilizer, skimmer, ro water, and sump filtration

[Jonthefishguy]

First, I would not used RO, but RO/DI. Second, I would check your water make-up for phosphates. Both the tank water and your top off before adding it to aquarium. Then, I would cut back on the amount of time you have the lights on. Example, if you have them on for 10, cut them to 6. I would also cut down on your feeding to nearly none as they also have an important role in feeding algae. If you have your aquarium in direct sunlight, that will also do it. How about temp? Also, how old are your lights?

[coraline79]

I can't tell what you have in your tank, but I would cut your lights for a couple of days, scrape everything, and then do 3 10% water changes over 5 days.

For anymore specific help from the smarters people on this forum, you need to go out and get a reef test kit and get some numbers. alk, ph, pho, calcium, mg, etc.

[LoneStar]

Wow now thats an algea problem!

The above advise is great and should get you on the right track. Biggest thing is when you do your upcoming water changes, use RO/DI water. Now it will take awhile before you get it all switched out, but it will start benefiting your tank.

Also, when you do your water changes, try to siphon out as much of the loose algea as you can.

[tony]

dont waste your time testing for phosphates, you have em ;)

mine has gotten close to looking like that also. its pretty easy to get under control with the above recommendations. also look into a phosphate reactor or a phosphate sponge like phosban

[ST3PH3N]

thanks everyone, it looks like this because i have been neglectinging if for about a week (finals) i use the ro/di water. my big problem was ide just scrap off the algae and leave it in the tank..once finals are through it should be looking great with all yall recommendations.
thanks
stephen

[RayAllen]

Wow, you are running a saltwater swamp. Im sure you will have it looking clean in no time.

[ErikH]

Find the source of the phosphates and eliminate it. Invest in a good scraper.

[ST3PH3N]

its funny cause the water is crystal clear..its just the glass and sand

[ErikH]

its funny cause the water is crystal clear..


If I had a nickel :p :)

[tony]

do you have an ro/di unit or are you purchasing the water?

[jroescher]

What about a clean up crew? Is there anything in there that eats algea?

[ST3PH3N]

do you have an ro/di unit or are you purchasing the water?

i purchase it from those windmill water stations

[ST3PH3N]

What about a clean up crew? Is there anything in there that eats algea?

crabs, snails, slugs

[LoneStar]

i purchase it from those windmill water stations

If you or someone you know has a TDS meter, I'd check that water coming out of the windmill station. Sometimes they do not really keep up with the replacement of their filters. It would be an interesting experiment to get water from a different source and see if this helps resolve most of your algae problems.

[Mr Cob]

I would fire the clean-up crew.

Execute them!

[KyleV]

WOW!

If that is only after one week you realy need to find the cause of the phosphates and turn off the lights!

[tony]

i purchase it from those windmill water stations


i think thats your problem, i dont believe those are ro/di

[ST3PH3N]

thanks for all the help :) ill fire the crew, change water source, and cut down on lights.
thanks again
stephen