Need some help with algae (1 Viewer)

[TLKAg87]

I have continued to battle algae, mostly in the form of diatoms on the sand (I think). Recently, I have been getting some green hair algae in a few places. I have used Refresh and Waste Away with short term improvement, but I just can't seem to keep it away. I have a 75g tank with a 20g sump underneath (I think about 80g total water volume). Refugium has healthy cheato and mangrove shoots. I have a clown, dwarf angel, goby, and 2 chromis. Tang recently died from HLLE. My best guess for HLLE is sloppy use of activated carbon. Mixed reef with big leather, monti cap, birdsnest, stylo, mushrooms, zoas and some LPS

Parameters are consistent as follows (per Red Sea test kits):
Alkalinty 8.3
Mg 1360
Ca 410-430
Nitrate <2
Phosphate <0.03 (Salifert test)
Salinity 1.025

Any advice on keeping sand clean and knocking out the hair algae would be greatly appreciated.

BTW, I have two PHs, Hydor Koralia (I think 1350gph)

 

[gm357]

What else are you using for nutrient export besides cheato? What skimmer are you using?

Sent from my SM-N970U using Tapatalk

 

[TLKAg87]

What else are you using for nutrient export besides cheato? What skimmer are you using?

Sent from my SM-N970U using Tapatalk

Reef octopus 110. I think it is 110 anyway

 

[gm357]

A few things I would consider in order.

1 Larger skimmer. 2x tank volume minimum. SRO xp2000sss class
2 Dump the fuge. Alternate light schedule isn't required.
3 Place power heads in every chamber of your sump. Permanently. No detritus at all cost
4 No lighting for 24hrs after a 20-30 percent water change then shorten light schedule 1hr am and pm. Basically -2hrs. Until you see an improvement
5 Carbon dose. Prodibio bioclean, Aqua forest, nopox, etc - More efficient than macro algae and controllable

I would make 1-4 a priority with 5 around the corner. Better yet, make 1-5 a priority

I would say you have a nutrient export problem.

These are just my suggestions for long term success. Hopefully others will chime in.



Sent from my SM-T677V using Tapatalk

 

[Daniel92481]

What kind of clean up crew do you have? If none, I would suggest some trochus, hermits, and maybe even a small urchin. They will definitely help. Also, try some manual removal to speed up the process.

 

[TLKAg87]

What kind of clean up crew do you have? If none, I would suggest some trochus, hermits, and maybe even a small urchin. They will definitely help. Also, try some manual removal to speed up the process.

I have several trochus snails, some Nacarrius vibex and hermits. Plus one emerald. Also Corinth?

 

[Daniel92481]

I have several trochus snails, some Nacarrius vibex and hermits. Plus one emerald. Also Corinth?

Yea, that sounds solid. Without making too many changes at once, I would look into using Vibrant. I have heard good things about it.

 

[TLKAg87]

I took a picture at lunch. Here is what I fight. I did a 15g WC every 2 weeks

 

[TX_Punisher]

Have you skipped a water change to see if it improves? Silicates can fuel cyano or diatoms. Hard to tell from the photo but I’m seeing red on the sand bed. Does the red growth have stringy bubbles?

ive been dealing with something on my Sand which I think was fueled by the release of silicates from plastics placed in the tank. Chemi clean did help. Also maintaining some no3 (above 5 for me) and some po4 (.04 to .1 for me) has helped.

 

[TLKAg87]

Have you skipped a water change to see if it improves? Silicates can fuel cyano or diatoms. Hard to tell from the photo but I’m seeing red on the sand bed. Does the red growth have stringy bubbles?

ive been dealing with something on my Sand which I think was fueled by the release of silicates from plastics placed in the tank. Chemi clean did help. Also maintaining some no3 (above 5 for me) and some po4 (.04 to .1 for me) has helped.

No stringy bubbles. Just clumps of red and green on the sand. One or two places on the rocks have a green mat that will come off easily with baster. I ordered some chemi clean last night. My water changes seem to help, but only for a few days, and then its right back. The last WC before that photo was Sunday before last.

 

[Daniel92481]

Try increasing your flow by 20%, wait two weeks, and reevaluate. I had some cyano that disappeared after I cranked up the flow.

 

[phhoth]

Get " VIBRANT for REEF Aquariums" and use it as RECOMMENDED!!!!!!!!!!....It will take care of your issues.
Then switch to "Smart Start Complete" and dose weekly
I'll promise that it works
I have a tank for 2 years and never had to vacuum my substrate
Probably will have to order this stuff

 

[TX_Punisher]

No stringy bubbles. Just clumps of red and green on the sand. One or two places on the rocks have a green mat that will come off easily with baster. I ordered some chemi clean last night. My water changes seem to help, but only for a few days, and then its right back. The last WC before that photo was Sunday before last.

what happens when you stir up those areas of the sand bed? Does it come right back?

 

[TLKAg87]

what happens when you stir up those areas of the sand bed? Does it come right back?

Yes

 

[TLKAg87]

what happens when you stir up those areas of the sand bed? Does it come right back?

I’m wondering if I need better PHs