Algae Problem... Need Help!

[Fielder0024]

Hi everyone,

So up until now, my tank has been going through the usual ups and downs. Brown algae spikes, temp fluctuations, etc. Ive recently come across an algae probem thats making me want to pull out every one of my hairs... Im not even sure what it is so I guess identifying it would be the first step. Here are a few pics.

This algae is unlike any Ive seen so far. Its suffocating some of my zoa colonies and is completely covering the rockwork. My parameters are all within range:
pH-8.2-8.4
NH3-0-.2
Nitrates-0
Nitrites-0

Can anyone give me some ideas on how to handle this?

Thanks

 

[Killarsox]

Looks like Cyano to me.

Try running GFO, and cutting back your lighting schedule temporarily.
They make something called Red Slime something or other, but I'd try what I suggested before you go dumping chemicals into your tank

Take a turkey Bastet and try to get some of it out of tank

 

[Fielder0024]

Cyano was my first guess but I was reading into Dyno as well. Ive been dowsing with APIs marine algaefix every 3 days per the directions but it doesnt seem to be slowing it down.

I recently added about 3 pieces of LR to the tank as well as changed by T-5 bulbs which began to dim recently. Im assuming these could be causing a mini cycle attributing to the algae growth but the fact that my parameters seem ok is throwing me off.

Looks like Cyano to me.

Try running GFO, and cutting back your lighting schedule temporarily.
They make something called Red Slime something or other, but I'd try what I suggested before you go dumping chemicals into your tank

Take a turkey Bastet and try to get some of it out of tank

 

[Awibrandy]

Yes, that is cyano. How you get rid of it is another thing. The advice given above is an excellent start.

Now can you please answer the following questions so that members here can better help you solve this problem before it gets much worse.

What water are you using? Tap vs RO/DI.
How old is your tank?
What exactly are your parameters? What test kits are you using? What is their expiration dates?
Temperature
PH
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Alkalinity
Calcium
Magnisium
How often do you do water changes? What percentage?
Do you have a sump?
Do you have a skimmer? What type?

 

[Fielder0024]

What water are you using? RO/DI.
How old is your tank? About 1.5 years
What exactly are your parameters? What test kits are you using? What is their expiration dates? Instant Ocean... expires Oct 2012
Temperature
PH
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Alkalinity
Calcium
Magnisium
How often do you do water changes? What percentage? I do a 5 gallon water change every weel. Lately Ive been doing them more frequently (as needed) to try and maintain the algae from spreading.
Do you have a sump? No sump
Do you have a skimmer? What type? No skimmer

How many hours should I cut back my photoperiod? I currently have the actinics on from 9-11, daylights from 11-7 and actinics again from 7-9. I recently removed my Phos-ban but never replaced it... Im thinking that could possibly be another factor in this.

Yes, that is cyano. How you get rid of it is another thing. The advice given above is an excellent start.

Now can you please answer the following questions so that members here can better help you solve this problem before it gets much worse.

What water are you using? Tap vs RO/DI.
How old is your tank?
What exactly are your parameters? What test kits are you using? What is their expiration dates?
Temperature
PH
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Alkalinity
Calcium
Magnisium
How often do you do water changes? What percentage?
Do you have a sump?
Do you have a skimmer? What type?

 

[Awibrandy]

What water are you using? RO/DI. Excellent
How old is your tank? About 1.5 years
What exactly are your parameters? What test kits are you using? What is their expiration dates? Instant Ocean... expires Oct 2012 OK, so what are you're readings on the following:
Temperature
PH
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Alkalinity
Calcium
Magnisium
How often do you do water changes? What percentage? I do a 5 gallon water change every weel. Lately Ive been doing them more frequently (as needed) to try and maintain the algae from spreading.What size tank?
Do you have a sump? No sump What are you using for filtration?
Do you have a skimmer? What type? No skimmer

How many hours should I cut back my photoperiod? I currently have the actinics on from 9-11, daylights from 11-7 and actinics again from 7-9. You are running your lights for a total of 12 hours, try cutting the actinics to 1 hour, and your daylights to 5 hours.I recently removed my Phos-ban but never replaced it... Im thinking that could possibly be another factor in this. Definitely replace the phosban.

If at all possible try to get a reactor to run the phosban.

 

[Widdy]

Looks more like dinoflagellates.

 

[Fielder0024]

If at all possible try to get a reactor to run the phosban.

I listed the following above
pH-8.2-8.4
NH3-0-.2
Nitrates-0
Nitrites-0
Temp-78

These are the only tests I am able to perform at the moment. The tank is 24 gallons so in effect I do about a 20% change every week. My filtration includes: Chemipure elite, Filter floss and Purigen. As of tomorrow, I will attempt to cut my hours back but I am worried about how my corals will respond.

 

[Fielder0024]

Looks more like dinoflagellates.

I was also leaning more towards Dino because I no that cyano is usually hairy... this looks more like strands and blankets of algae

 

[Awibrandy]

Sorry, but your numbers did not show up for me before. Are you actually seeing a tad of ammonia in your test result? Should be zero.

Go here so you can see what exactly it is that you have in your tank. http://www.reefcleaners.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=54&Itemid=81 By your pix it looks like cyano to me. Of course I can be wrong.
I have a mixed 155 gallon with all types of corals, I run the pc for 12 hours & my MH for 5 hours. The pc are nothing they are only 24 watts by 4, meaning they are not what supports my corals the mh are, and they are only on 5 hours.
Just remember you are not going to keep them off for ever.

I listed the following above
pH-8.2-8.4
NH3-0-.2
Nitrates-0
Nitrites-0
Temp-78

These are the only tests I am able to perform at the moment. The tank is 24 gallons so in effect I do about a 20% change every week. My filtration includes: Chemipure elite, Filter floss and Purigen. As of tomorrow, I will attempt to cut my hours back but I am worried about how my corals will respond.

 

[Awibrandy]

I was also leaning more towards Dino because I no that cyano is usually hairy... this looks more like strands and blankets of algae

Cyano is not hairy. It is slime, yuck

 

[Widdy]

Pickup a bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at your local CVS/Duane Reade. Using a small amount, 1:1 of H2O2 to tank water, dip a rock rubble or something small that's covered with algae for 5 minutes. See if it'll wither away... read up on "H2O2 dosing" and "H2O2 dipping zoas" as well.

 

[Fielder0024]

Cyano is not hairy. It is slime, yuck

Isnt it like slimy with strands of hair coming out? I could always be wrong as well. Nonetheless, I do agree with you that cutting the photoperiod down and adding GFO are a must at this point. I just hope they will be enough.

Its amazing how within a few short days things could go so wrong so quickly.

 

[piranhapat]

I would test your new salt water mix. If you are using RO/DI check water. You might be adding phosphate to your tank if your membrane needs to be changed. Since you are doing more water changes You might be doing more harm them good.