green water problem

[messesb52]

hi guys, so my 180 gallon with a wet dry filter has been setup for about 6 weeks now and it just finished cycling last week. I added my earth eater and peacock bass and they couldn't be doing better. The only problem is that the water seems to be turning more and more green everyday. Its weird because there is hardly any algae on the glass, its all just in the water. I wanted to add my marble motoro this weekend but i want to solve this green water problem first. I know a uv sterelizer would most likely fix the problem, but they cost alot and i hear that they kill beneficial bacteria. Do you guys think its worth getting a uv or is there anything else i could do to solve this problem?

 

[dxdx]

I would get the UV sterilizer, it won't kill the beneficial bacteria... after checking the obvious of course - is it front of a window, how long are lights on, are they too bright, etc... are the nitrates really high?

using the UV can help, but don't use it to cover up the source of the problem.

 

[DavidW]

and if you want super clear water a good diatom filter as well as a good UV is very useful

 

[Just Toby]

Uv will not kill beneficial bacteria in the filter as it will not leave the filter, it will only kill what passes through it. Just don't use one in first few weeks of cycle as can prolong. If you think a uv is expensive then do not buy a ray as my 2 rays easily eat the cost of a uv every few months. Let alone the upgrade in tank that most species will need ....especially motoros

 

[messesb52]

Uv will not kill beneficial bacteria in the filter as it will not leave the filter, it will only kill what passes through it. Just don't use one in first few weeks of cycle as can prolong. If you think a uv is expensive then do not buy a ray as my 2 rays easily eat the cost of a uv every few months. Let alone the upgrade in tank that most species will need ....especially motoros

i already have a marble motoro

 

[messesb52]

if a uv sterlizer is the way to go, does anyone have any suggestions for a sterelizer for a 180 gallon tank?

 

[PeteLockwood]

Why not address the cause instead of the effect?

 

[messesb52]

Why not address the cause instead of the effect?

its most likely from sunlight, but im not going to be able to change the location of the tank so im going to have to work around it best i can.

 

[JohnG]

One of these would probably take care of the problem for you: http://www.aquaultraviolet.com/products/uvsterilizers/classic

I use the 57W version, you'd probably be ok with the 25W or 40W on a tank that size.

 

[DavidW]

Algae is caused by nutrients in the water, usually phosphates.
plenty of light and they're green, not enough and they're brown, either way you got algae.
photoperiod only really affects the type/color of the algae.