algae help

[Big_Pun]

well about 2 1/2 months ago I set up a 8g biocube for my sis, I used sand and rock from a store that was closing so it was all cured, let it run for 1 month all fine introduced 2 fish royal gamma and clown, week later some snails and crabs. weekly water changes. stock pump but seems a lil weak. last week got a bloom guess it's the cycle but no amonia spike checked everyday then fish died. past 3 days a build up of dark green algae is building up on glass and back wall. what should I do

[JimD]

Give it more time, dont add any fish for a while... Ammonia isnt the only thing that can kill.... Whats the Nitrate level? Any O2 source, ie: good surface aggitation, skimmer, airstone? Too many reasons, need much more info...

[Big_Pun]

nitrate are low surface aggitation is low stock pump is only rated at 106 gph thinking of goin with a mj600, would a airstone help, no skimmer I have a spare limewood skimmer I could put in. so should I give it more time to run it's coarse I have a nitrate obsorber pillow i could use

[cmata04]

http://maast.org/forums/<a href=
http://i31.tinypic.com/29f485e.jpg

Here is the picture of the tank.....if that helps

[Big_Pun]

^ my sis

[JLiu]

How much water are you changing? I would check your incoming water your using to do the change are you running RO/DI or tap water for the change? If your doing a 5 gallon change weekly you shouldn't need a skimmer etc and more than likely you shouldn't have a algae problem. . .unless you just feed a ton.

[kenny01]

I agree with the above comment. Check your water source. It may be high in phosphates. That would lead to the algae growth. As far as the fish deaths, did they show any signs? White spots? Anything else out of the ordinary?

Where the fish partially eaten (mantis shrimp)?

[cmata04]

I do weekly water changes...(1gallon) and the water i use RO/DI water.
The fish did shows signs, they wouldnt eat and then just be at the bottom breathing hard for couple days....

[Big_Pun]

I'm using a 5 stage filter, 0tds coming out ,filters are new only have been used to
make 100 gallons, yes I have a TDS meter, I'm goin to remove all the bio balls today before I do another water change and replace with rubble I've wanting to do that for a while

[JimD]

I do weekly water changes...(1gallon) and the water i use RO/DI water.

"The fish did shows signs, they wouldnt eat and then just be at the bottom breathing hard for couple days...."

This is a definate sign of oxygen depletion.... Get some air in that water asap and try to lower the temp to around 77/78 if possible.. The algae is secondary to the fish deaths and looks normal for a few days of not cleaning the glasss..

[Big_Pun]

thanks Jim so should I get a bigger pump to help water aggetation

[JimD]

Maybe that and a powerhead aimed at the surface, a small airstone or/and the little skimmer you have would be very helpful twofold.... Lowering the temp will increase the available O2 in the water as well, 8 gallons isnt a whole lotta water. You didnt say what your current temps are so I just threw that out for ya...

[Big_Pun]

thanks for the help

[Teeb]

I saw a noticable decrease in algae when I upgraded to a 606 and hydor flo. Try doing that.