Brown algea everywhere :S

[John Kh]

I have noticed recently that the whole tank is covered by some kind of Brown Algea. The whole bottom is covered with it and expanding really fast. Is there any way to control such a thing? What is that? Algea Bloom?

 

[Sea Turtle]

Couple of things first. Do you have any pic that you can show us?

How old is your tank?
Do you use a GFO reactor of some type?
What are your water perameters?
How often are you changing out your water?
What is your water source?

 

[SnowManSnow]

<-- Just wondering.

Are you using Reef Crystals?

I've read some things about reef crystals recently containing superflous things that would aid in algae growth.

I use this salt, and I think Im going to change soon. It tends to add Phosphates to my syestem I think.

b

 

[Sea Turtle]

<-- Just wondering.

Are you using Reef Crystals?

I've read some things about reef crystals recently containing superflous things that would aid in algae growth.

I use this salt, and I think Im going to change soon. It tends to add Phosphates to my syestem I think.

b

You know it's funny that you should say that. I really didn't have much of an algae problem in my tank. I recently switched to reef crystals and have had an outbreak of algae ever since. Hmmmm. :|

I think that I'm going to stop using that salt.

 

[John Kh]

I use TAP water, I know this is not recommended but waiting for the RO/Di device to come. I change water weekly and I use Tetra Marine Salt. I am changing this too once the store get the new SALT collection. My water parameter? I relly do not know exactly. It has been a while since I last checked them!! The tank is like 5 or 6 months old.

 

[Sea Turtle]

I use TAP water, I know this is not recommended but waiting for the RO/Di device to come. I change water weekly and I use Tetra Marine Salt. I am changing this too once the store get the new SALT collection. My water parameter? I relly do not know exactly. It has been a while since I last checked them!! The tank is like 5 or 6 months old.

I would have to say that is your problem. Phosphates, nitrates and silicates are elements that naturally occur in water, and it is not unusual for some tap water sources to contain high concentrations of these chemical elements. If these are not removed from the water before using it, you are just adding more of the unwanted elements that give rise to all types of algae blooms in saltwater systems, and that often contribute to persistant problems with higher than normal readings of these chemicals when testing the aquarium water. Also, Copper and iron are particularly detrimental to reef animals, and these or other metals can often be present in tap water as well. I think that you will see this clear up quickly once you start using your RO/DI water. Do a very large water change or a couple small ones per week. Good luck.

 

[John Kh]

Thank you

 

[Anonymous]

Assuming this is an algal bloom and not diatoms. What you've described could also be a diatom bloom.

 

[John Kh]

How to treat that!!!!

 

[Sea Turtle]

You really can't. It is just a part of the tank cycle while it matures. I had the same issue when I was starting my tank. It seemed as if I had a new type of algae bloom each month. It will pass as it matures. My tank is 1year 4 months old now and I am still having algae blooms ever so often. It is getting better though.