700 gl Malawi Cichlid tank overtaken by algae!!!

[ExPeNsIvE HoBbY]

The reason it's more concentrated at the bottom would probably be because of your light colored substrate reflecting light back up on the lower surfaces.

You mentioned "reef capable" lighting? Are they reef spectrum bulbs? Usually bulbs intended for reef tanks can have way too much light in the wrong spectrum for FW setups, which can lead to algae.

Someone also mentioned the size of your sump and that it would be big enuff to try an algae scrubber... Is there a pic of your sump? I didn't see it.

Last but not least, if it is Blackbeard algae or staghorn algae, good luck! That stuff is insane to get rid of, and virtually no fish will touch it! Although if it gets crazy big growth, you will never have to worry about water params, lol, this stuff annihilates nitrates and other nutrients!

 

[aclockworkorange]

I'd bet money that is a form of black beard algae and FYI most fish (including plecos) will not touch the stuff. A Siamese algae eater might help, but you'd have to have like 50 of them in that size tank. And they really don't do a great job anyway IME.
You could take out all the rocks and bleach them, but that would be a major pain. I just know if it were me with that expensive and big of a system I'd just want to put something in the water and be done with it. There's no guarantee spot treating will eliminate the problem anyway, this stuff is nasty and stubborn, definitely not your standard algae and if you haven't had it in your tanks YOU JUST DON'T KNOW.

 

[blue phantom]

I have one daylight t8 and one coral t8 in my tank, the red spectrum in the coral light gave me algea problem's until I got my spotted hi fin pleco. I'm not saying a pleco will solve all your algea problems( in your case like 6 pleco's. lol) but it made all the difference in my 55 gal.

 

[raintree]

Thanks for all the help so far.
I guess I'm confused as to the actual dynamics of this aquarium algae. Is it considered an acute infestation that needs to be completely eradicated from the aquarium (ie. algaecide)? Or is it one of the naturally occurring algae that will always be in the tank, & in this case, has grown out of balance?

Due to ample sunlight on both sides, I'm not sure that lowering lights or changing LED's will have much effect. The tank will have algae, which I prefer anyhow, I just need much less of this type.

 

[raintree]

I'd bet money that is a form of black beard algae and FYI most fish (including plecos) will not touch the stuff. A Siamese algae eater might help, but you'd have to have like 50 of them in that size tank. And they really don't do a great job anyway IME.
You could take out all the rocks and bleach them, but that would be a major pain. I just know if it were me with that expensive and big of a system I'd just want to put something in the water and be done with it. There's no guarantee spot treating will eliminate the problem anyway, this stuff is nasty and stubborn, definitely not your standard algae and if you haven't had it in your tanks YOU JUST DON'T KNOW.

I concur... perhaps if I incorporate both solutions- the quick pharmaecutical approach, initially, and then follow with a algae scrubber solution that keeps it in check and from growing out of hand.

 

[filio]

First of all I have to say the best african cichlid tanks I've seen are overtaken by algae. It just gives them more natural look.



The reason for your algae infestation is pure math -> Lots of fish+light+no plants = algae. You just create the perfect conditions for algae to grow. What you should do, is create these perfect conditions somewhere else, like your sump. http://www.aquariumslife.com/saltwater-diy-projects/diy-algae-filter-screen/
I'd never use algicide in a tank with fish.

 

[raintree]

i agree- I want algae growing in tank-- its benefitial to fish, looks natural & helps in making the aquarium a biological system. However, this algae, black brush or beard, is not beneficial to fish like green algae is. So, I'd like to somehow "replace" this algae with green algae

 

[s9601694]

I agree with the natural look statement, looks cool! But if you want to keep them under control, how about nerite snails? I don't have experience with Malawi's so don't know if they'd just destroy them. . I introduced some large trap door snails in my cardinal species tank but they dont seem to make a hellovalot of difference.. My 4 tiny nerites seem more active in munching away.

Question: how did you make those rock formations?? they are awesome!!! Great looking tank

 

[importracer]

Yeah tank looks bright....Try putting some bushes or small trees around the tank to cut off light.........Then put some blinds on the windows.........That tank is overexposed to the light elements..............

 

[raintree]

Question: how did you make those rock formations?? they are awesome!!! Great looking tank

Thanks- it was a bit of work.
Combining hundreds of pounds of holey limestone & lace rock with ever digging cichlids and 3/4" glass up to a 3 ft height did pose quite the problem.
I ended up putting large boulders directly on egg crate to prevent movement caused by their digging in substrate. I siliconed plain slate on periphery of egg crate to cover unnatural egg crate so that it would never show.
After putting in substrate (live sand & crushed coral & shells), I struggled with the two 3' side embankments. The base rocks are on egg crate, and on top of these, I tied multiple rocks together using fiberglass rods through natural holes or drilled for support. The two structures are almost self supporting, however, I leaned them on overflows (which are covered w slate flagstone) for good measure.
Finally, to finish off the natural look I wanted, I ssupended 3 large rocks with stainless cable & Hilti anchors partially in water (& tied into rocks underneath). No part of metal harness is in water. View attachment 707451View attachment 707452View attachment 707453
I think the suspended rocks really made it come together.