Suggestions for controlling Green Algae

[thebigeq]

I have a 29 gallon reef tank that is about 4 months old. I am currently experiencing a Green Algae bloom. I would like to try and control it as naturally as possible.

I currently have 2 Tank raised Percula Clown, 1 Goby, 2 cleaner shrimp, 6 blue leg Hermits, 4 turbo Snails and two Emerald Green Crabs. I also have a Rose tip Anemone, Pineapple Coral, Yellow Button Polyps, and a Feather Coral.

Tests, No Nitrates, 440ppm Calcium, 8.4ph, KH 8, GH 22, 1.024 sg, and a temp of 74 degrees.

Let me know if you need any other information as I am new to the forum and to maintaining a reef.

 

[Scoopy]

not sure about the algae bloom, sometimes they just happen, I would get your temp up a bit, no lower than 77, I like mine right @ 78. All other water looks good.


Sam

 

[Yohimbe]

Use RO water if your not already, makes a huge difference, especially
if your tap water is high in silicates.

 

[Brian5000]

Amount of flow, type and amount of filteration, maintanence routine and source of water can all impact algea growth in your tank.

You do not seem to be overstocked, so that's good.

Water tests can be deceptive because algea tends to pull nutrients out of the water as fast as it gets produced. Even though your tests show clean water, it's feeding off of something.

At 4 months, the tank is pretty new. If nothing else seems to be wrong, then as Scoopy said, it may be some random, self-limiting algea bloom that will subside in a month (extra water changes may help it subside faster).
_________________
Foot Problems Forum

 

[Anonymous]

Have you checked your phospate level, and what/how often are you feeding?

 

[thebigeq]

I have not tested for Phosphates. I will give that a shot. I also think that I was keeping my lights on a little to long, about 14 hours. I have changed that to about 10 hours. I am also going to bump up the temp a few degree's to see if that helps.

Thank you all

 

[ChrisRD]

With the exception of the few quality low range test kits (pricey) and colorimeters (even more pricey), IMO the average hobby phosphate test kit isn't very useful and I'd recommend saving your money.

For me, the appearance of the algae would be enough proof of excess phosphate...

JMO

 

[Blue Tang]

Hello , i have had the same problem with hair algae, today i went to my lfs and he sold me a new product called Algaefix marine, it is from API, i just put some in my tank two days ago and already starting to see algae shrivel, it will not harm fish , corals inverts etc, might want to try it, i also have one sea urchin, which helps with algae, hope this helps?

Blue tang :mrgreen:

 

[Scoopy]

I personally dont like adding such things to my tank, I would rather fix the problem and stop the algae than put something in there that going to kill it off.

Just like was mentioned above, its either a phantom bloom that will go away on its own shortly, or there are some phosphate/nitrate problems, which means there is another problem.

Too infrequent water changes, detritus buildup, overfeeding... something that should be fixed.

Sam

 

[thebigeq]

Thank you all. Here is what i have done and it seems to be working. First i changed the timing of my lights so that they are on the brightest setting 50% less. I turned up the temp a little. I've added an army of snails a couple of Green Crabs and a few blue legged Hermit's. I have also done a water change. Thanks again.