Just not getting it...

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
T

TheSwampFox

Gambusia
MFK Member
May 13, 2010
336
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16
South Carolina
I'm not going to complain too much because the algae isn't as bad as it looks in others tanks I've seen... but it frustrates me to no end as to why algae is a problem in my tank.

I know I have a small patch of green hair algae, and there was some red algae "strands" but are gone now due to my new Sandsifter Dragon Goby eating it. Not to mention the algae that will sometimes grow on the acrylic in a thin sheet I have to scrub off.

Tested the water parameters today... get this.

pH: 8.2
Ammonia: 0 ppm
Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: 0 ppm
Carbonate Hardness: 9

I'm not sure what else to test, but I'd love to see my salt tank looking as good as my freshwater tank, not a spot of algae in it. Only plants in there are the ones I planted, lol!

Anyways, any help would be appreciated guys.
 
Well, you may want to test for phosphates too, but....

If algae is present, testing for nitrates and phosphates can be nebulous. Since macro and micro algaes export both of those, your test results can show a zero reading. What you are really getting is a false negative.

Tell me all about your tank. Bioload, flow rate, filtration type(s), tank size, age, amount of LR, and how often you service/clean your filtration type(s). Also, what type of lighting you have, how long you leave it on, hair and eye color.
 
Heathd;4705337; said:
Well, you may want to test for phosphates too, but....

If algae is present, testing for nitrates and phosphates can be nebulous. Since macro and micro algaes export both of those, your test results can show a zero reading. What you are really getting is a false negative.

Tell me all about your tank. Bioload, flow rate, filtration type(s), tank size, age, amount of LR, and how often you service/clean your filtration type(s). Also, what type of lighting you have, how long you leave it on, hair and eye color.
Click to expand...


Tanks been up and running for almost 8 Months now. Filtration is the basic Biocube filtration system. Not buying a protein skimmer for this tank because I plan to transfer everything in the 29g to a 55g I have now once I save up for everything to go salt in a bigger tank (probably mid-January)

I have two clowns, a Dragon Sandsifter Goby, and a Coral Beauty Dwarf Angelfish. 25 lbs. of Live Rock, and I clean the filtration and change the filter once a month. Not sure what the flow rate would be... I guess it's standard to whatever the biocube pump is.

Standard Biocube lighting only because I don't have corals (dwarf angelfish), and I turn the lights on at about 7 AM and turn them off about 10-12 hours later.

Didn't think about the false positive, how would I remove phosphates?
 
What kind of CuC do you have? I was lacking in mine the last few months because of die off and such. I did a good sized order of snails and a few hermits and my tank has cleaned up very well in 2 weeks.

Always buy more then you think you need when it comes to CuC.
 
Best thing I ever did was start using RO water. If you don't have one I'd recommend it. If not, a good lfs should sell pure saltwater by the gallon. Your not using a skimmer huh? So, is it a hob filter with carbon and floss? Those things need changing like once a week. Watch out for overfertilization and low current. Both will lead to algae. A bit of weekly cleaning helps too.
 
I honestly think its a combination of things that is leading to your issue. Flow, and a lack of nutrient export and/or skimmer.

Since your not open to a skimmer at this point, due to a very near upgrade, I would look into cleaning your filter media once a week when you do your water changes.

Im not trying to knock biocubes, etc.... but out of the box they are still lacking.
 
Your freshwater tank has clear water because the plants you have planted compete with the algae with nutrients and are obviously winning that battle. In your saltwater tank, there is no plant matter competing with the algae.

A couple of things can help you here.
1. Be very careful in feeding and make sure not to feed more than is eaten by your fish. Anything frozen should be thawed in ro water so that all the juices don't end up in the tank.
2. You can alter your lighting cycle by a couple hours, making it shorter. To say 10 hours can help a little.
3. Adding snails and crabs can help keep the algae down. Do you have any?
4. Flow, add a powerhead, or another one. Algae is more likely to grow in low flow areas. This is where detritus accumulates as well.
5. Clean your filter pads more frequently. At least every couple days. These can become the leading area of nitrate production that the algae will feed on.
5. A skimmer would definitely help. Like you said you don't want to spend the money now.

I know I restated some that people said, but all of these will help. Other than that, there will always be some algae in a setup this small with that many fish. You can just do your best to minimize how much is growing within your tank.
 
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