700 gl Malawi Cichlid tank overtaken by algae!!!

[raintree]

Hi all- I presented my aquarium project in the introduction section. Its been running for about 7 months now. There was an algae bloom 2-3 months ago, & I figured it looked natural & since that is the look I wanted, I didn't mind it. However, it got worse & worse- quickly covering the substrate.
To prevent detritus accumulating on the substrate & fueling the algae bloom, I've made various changes to overcome head pressure and increase circulation through the sump. I also put in several returns to increase circulation in the tank.
Despite these improvements to the set-up, algae persists on.
I think it is red/ black brush algae.
I don't want to use an algaecide, so I'd be grateful for any suggestions other than that. Thanks!! Take care.

 

[Mr. Rain Cloud]

The tank does look really bright, in addition to it being exposed to sunlight(my guess). I think you could add curtains/blinds to cover any glass windows/doors that allow natural light to go in.

Depending on how many light bulbs you have, you could decrease the number being used or put something(e.g. paper, cardboard on splash guard[if it has one]; floating plants could work as well[wouldn't be my first choice though]) in between to decrease the light shining through the tank.

 

[raintree]

I definitely attribute the late afternoon sun (coming through the west facing storefront window in waiting room) to be a major contributor to the bloom. Don't think I can block that out though. Regarding the aquarium lighting, I could turn the middle one off, leaving the periphery lamps on. However, I am unsure of how much this would help because- I read that red algae doesnt need much light to grow. Moreover, the density of the algae bloom is not close to the lighting, but down at the bottom of the tank.
Nonetheless, reducing lighting will hinder photosynthesis in the tank, so it can't hurt to try.

 

[Egon]

That just doesn't look like 700 gallons to me. I love the hard scaping! I think the big thing is cut down on the light. Great set up!

 

[Mr. Rain Cloud]

It could also be an indication of poor water quality, you might not have enough filtration(which also depends on the # of fish) or not enough water changes so the algae feed off the nitrates and phosphates(basically excess nutrients that's food for the algae).

 

[aldiaz33]

Although I've never tried it myself, I was reading a thread on algae scrubbers a few days ago...the idea is to create an ideal environment for algae to grow (lots of light and lots of oxygen) so that the algae in your tank gets outcompeted and slowly begins to reside. There are a few examples with pix to prove that it works in this thread: http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/f...Nitrate-and-Phosphate-Remover-DIY!-(1-Viewing. Your sump looked to be large enough to try this little experiment.

I had a persistent case of green free floating algae a few years ago and instead of dropping a few hundred dollars on a UV, I bought a little 4oz bottle of algaecide and it worked like a charm (although like you, i hated the idea of using it and exhausted all other options before giving up and using chemicals). Your algae looks pretty hard core (that type of algae is typically a lot more stubborn than the free-floating type), so I would be reluctant to try a chemical assault on it myself.

What type of lighting do you have on the tank?...it looks almost like metal halides...intense! Maybe try cutting down on the hours you have the lights on.

Or how about an algae eating African...not sure what, but I'm sure you can find some vegetarian creature that will help you out.

Good luck.

 

[raintree]

thanks! I'm somewhat a purist, therefore could not get myself to put in foam rocks, no matter how realistic.
As for tank size, I agree, I think the fish even look smaller than they are. Not sure if I included tank dimensions, but its 9' x 3' x 3' (on rock wall side only 7' of tank is visible due to overflows that are "hidden in the wall". Sump is 7' x 2.5'.

 

[raintree]

Although I've never tried it myself, I was reading a thread on algae scrubbers a few days ago...the idea is to create an ideal environment for algae to grow (lots of light and lots of oxygen) so that the algae in your tank gets outcompeted and slowly begins to reside. There are a few examples with pix to prove that it works in this thread: http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/f...Nitrate-and-Phosphate-Remover-DIY!-(1-Viewing I had a persistent case of green free floating algae a few years ago and instead of dropping a few hundred dollars on a UV, I bought a little 4oz bottle of algaecide and it worked like a charm (although like you, i hated the idea of using it). Your algae looks pretty hard core (that type of algae is typically a lot more stubborn than the free-floating type), so I would be reluctant to try a chemical assault myself.

What type of lighting do you have on the tank?...it looks almost like metal halides...intense!

Good luck.

thanks-
four 4' marineland LED reef capable lamps... I wanted lighting to the bottom of tank depth (3') without hot or bulky ballasts.

 

[GrindeL89]

I know that this has nothing to do with your problem but awesome setup

 

[raintree]

It could also be an indication of poor water quality, you might not have enough filtration(which also depends on the # of fish) or not enough water changes so the algae feed off the nitrates and phosphates(basically excess nutrients that's food for the algae).

Yeah- thats what most of the research states, so I've been testing water regularly and doing constant water changes. The water quality is good & the fish couldnt be happier. Consequently, this points back to the sunlight as being the main cause.