Algae problems

[mr.gaboozlebag]

In my new 40g tank I am starting to have some bad algae problems on the substrate, glass, and rocks. The tank is about a month old, but it has already cycled water from my old tank. The cleanup crew is 6 nassarius, and 4 scarlet hermit crabs. The substrate is new aragonite. Is this just a algae bloom that will go away, or do I have to do something about it.

I also have little bubbles on all of my rocks. When I blow them with a turkey baster they just come back.

Here are some pictures:

 

[pvh]

I think some turbo snails and astrae snails would help a lot. Also how long do you keep your light on? And how is your nitrate?

 

[penguinsix]

Looks like cyano, are you using RO/DI, what are your params?

 

[MAReefer1]

If you are not using RO/DI water then I would highly suggest it.

 

[mr.gaboozlebag]

I just noticed that my nitrate test is expired, so I will get another tommorow, or borrow my friends. I do not use RO/DI. If anyone could explain why using that water is better, I would apreciate it, because I don't really know much about it. My mom works in a lab, so I could get some RODI, but not more than a gallon a day. I have this light: http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=CU01121.

I keep my light on for 12 hours (not sure how much time is recommended).

I think some turbo snails and astrae snails would help a lot.

I am worried about havering to many snails. I have heard of people sying 1 snail per gallon is recommended, and others say that 1 snail per 10 gallons is recommended. Your thoughts?
Thanks,

 

[smcnally]

I do not use RO/DI. If anyone could explain why using that water is better, I would apreciate it, because I don't really know much about it.

Well...it is pretty much proven that people that use tap water often have more algae issues. But, your issue looks more like Cyano than algae.

 

[reefkeeper2]

It's normal for a new tank to cycle through some nuisance algae outbreaks. It takes time for the proper bacterial populations that consume nutrients like nitrate to get established. First you will see brown algae on your substrate. This lasts for a few weeks to a few months. Also you might see the dreaded cyano. Use RO/DI water for your water changes. Use activated carbon and change it every three to four weeks. A good GFO like phosban will also help in keeping your phosphates low and is almost a must have if you want to keep algae at bay.

 

[pvh]

I have the same light...but mine is 48". I think you're keeping the light on too long...try reducing the time to about 10 hours. I'm not sure what the proper # of snails per gallons you're supposed to have. I guess it just depends on how much the rate of algae growth in your tank.

 

[Jocko]

Yeah, like was said, that is normal for a new tank. Just keep your parameters in check and it will pass as the tank matures. What kind of flow do you have in the tank?

 

[mr.gaboozlebag]

I have started to put my light on for only 10 hours today.

Is RODI better because it gets rid of the nutrients and minerals in regular water that algae thrives on? If I useRODI, will I have to add any supplements that is in regular water that isn't in RODI?

Also, does anyone have any Idea about the bubbles?



Thanks. I might not get the test kits today because I am going to Buddy dog, have a lot of homework, and the road conditions aren't ideal.

Thanks,

 

[mr.gaboozlebag]

Yeah, like was said, that is normal for a new tank. Just keep your parameters in check and it will pass as the tank matures. What kind of flow do you have in the tank?

I have a Maxijet 400, and another pump that has 150 GPH.

 

[RichConley]

looks like Cyano, and Dinoflagellates to me.

 

[jimrawr]

Thats only 256 GPH of flow for 40 gallons.. Sounds like you need more to me

 

[Rays]

If it looks like this, you've got a real mess on your hands.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=73802&papass=&sort=1&thecat=500
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=73800&papass=&sort=1&size=medium&thecat=500
If it is it's dinoflagellates, tough to get rid of. At any rate I would cut back on my lighting substantially, to even less than 10 hrs, until you get your problem straightened out.

 

[Kim]

Check your phosphates too. If you have phosphates in your tap water then switching to RO/DI will bring them down over time.

Or

You could get use a phosphate remover in a reactor. Something like this:

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=TL4311

I've seen a few used for sale in the forum.

 

[mr.gaboozlebag]

No one knows why RODI is better?

BTW, I am using well water from the well at my house because I have a geothermal heating system.


Also, anyone know about the bubbles?

 

[Behrmon]

RODI - post 37
http://www.bostonreefers.org/forums/showthread.php?t=5034&page=2

Do a search on bubble algae.

Good luck.

 

[Behrmon]

Try this one.

http://www.bostonreefers.org/forums/showthread.php?t=41551&highlight=bubble+algae

 

[Kim]

Most people use RO/DI instead of their tap water because it takes away metals,phosphates, and other impurities from the water. So you know what you are starting with before you add your salt. You can use tap or well water but now you are taking more of a risk that there is something in your water that could hurt your tank inhabitants or bring about undesirable algaes.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-05/rhf/index.php

http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/saltwater/fenner_treating water.html

Is it neccassary, some think so, but I am sure some get by with tap water and have nice tanks. But since you are having algae problems, the first thing to check is your water and the source.

 

[mr.gaboozlebag]

RODI - post 37
http://www.bostonreefers.org/forums/showthread.php?t=5034&page=2

Do a search on bubble algae.

Good luck.

There aren't any threads that I can find that really say how RODI is better than regular water or well water.

I don't have bubble algae, I have bubbles on my LR. There is a picture of it in the first post.