Advice?

[destineyfoster]

We have an algae bloom and diatoms. The tank is so ugly. :/ It is barely two months old. We are getting more CUC. We have a filter sock on it as well. I am just sick of looking at it. So, will it go away on it's own or what??? help?!? Please. And thank you

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[1mbrews8]

Give it time. Make sure you have enough flow. Since it is only on some rock and not ALL of it, I'd guess u need more flow.

 

[y-not]

And make sure that your lights are not on for too long.
I think 8 to 10 hours is the recommended amount.
If it were me, I'd keep it closer to 8 hours.

 

[destineyfoster]

Ok we have two Koralia 1150s in a 90. I'll tell my husband to re direct them and that may help.

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[destineyfoster]

Hmm ok. We have our lights on for 12 hours.

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[y-not]

You could try keeping them off completely for a day or three. Then bring then back on for 5 hours, then 6 hours, etc..

 

[destineyfoster]

Ok. We will try that and see if it helps as well.

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[dylan ringwood]

Well I don't know the answer but good news is the foxface is out and playing

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[mcphock]

You probably need to do some reading on basic tank care...

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/maintenance/maintindex.htm">http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/maintenance/maintindex.htm</a>

Algae thrives only when there are nutrients to feed it.

[IMG]http://www.wetwebmedia.com/avoidingalgaeproblesm.htm">http://www.wetwebmedia.com/avoidingalgaeproblesm.htm</a>
[IMG]http://www.wetwebmedia.com/algaeconMar.htm">http://www.wetwebmedia.com/algaeconMar.htm</a>
[IMG]http://www.wetwebmedia.com/CDosingArt.htm">http://www.wetwebmedia.com/CDosingArt.htm</a>

...and see where these links take you.

 

[jennm]

What are your parameters?

Diatoms are normal at some point during a new tank's break-in phase. 2 months is a bit 'late' but every tank is different. Some it happens in the first couple of weeks, some take up to 4 weeks and the bloom can last a few days to a couple of weeks.

How long has the bloom been going on? What is your water change regimen so far?

More information can help determine whether this is within 'normal' or if it has gone beyond that and there's a problem that needs correcting.

The earlier question about photoperiod is a good one too - I don't suggest going beyond 10 hours. 8-10 is usually what works, but cutting back during a bloom is OK too if other causes have been ruled out.

Jenn

 

[destineyfoster]

Ammonia-0
Nitrates-0
Nitrites-0
Calcium-380
Ph- 8.2
Phosphates-0
Temperature-80.6

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[jennm]

Temperature is a little warm, IMO... but everything else looks good.

Photoperiod? How many hours?

How long has it been blooming, and when did you start doing water changes on this tank, and how much/how often?

As far as diatoms go, it's not horrible. It will pass as long as you maintain water quality.

Jenn

 

[destineyfoster]

Photoperiod was at 12 hours. We cut it down to 10 today. Its been two or three days. We do a water change once a week. As a matter of fact we are doing one tonight.

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[jennm]

I'd cut it to 8 hours, or even 6 until it passes. You don't have coral in there yet, do you?

Turning off the lights can starve the algae of a food source, but once the lights come back on, the problem will come back.

Might as well just ride it out and get it over with

Jenn

 

[destineyfoster]

Yes we have coral. We have LPS, softies, and one SPS. They all seem happy. My emerald crabs and sally lightfoot are in heaven. Lol we will cut them down to 8 over the next few days.

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[dawgface]

New tanks generally go through this diatom bloom for two reason, nitrogen cycle and excess silicates in the aquarium.

Both of which are best served waiting for the tank to fully establish itself before adding livestock. The nitrogen cycle is revolving and systematic to bacteria levels, stocking, feeding and live rock.

Silicates, which is my guess to what your dealing with is unfortunately a let it play out situation. Turning off your lights or even cutting back is not going to change a thing for removing silicates in the system. You'll just be putting off or extending your silicate reduction time. I would also advise against a clean up crew specific to this problem. All snails and crabs are going to do is eat the diatoms and poop out the same silicates that is causing the algae and as such continuing your problem.

Simply put, wait it out while practicing good husbandry along the way.

 

[donniea1800]

Yes at 2 months that is perfectly normal to go through various ugly stages of algae. The tank will mature and the algae will go away as quickly as it came. Just keep up with your water changes and maintenance and it will get better with time.

 

[davidinga]

Run gfo to knock some/all of that out

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[snowmansnow]

DavidinGA;947640 wrote: Run gfo to knock some/all of that out

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i respectfully disagree .. for a tank that young.. and for diatoms simply cut your photoperiod to 8ish hours... keep parameters in check and wait.

see if you can add a fan to get that temp down a few degrees IMO

 

[davidinga]

SnowManSnow;947836 wrote: i respectfully disagree .. for a tank that young.. and for diatoms simply cut your photoperiod to 8ish hours... keep parameters in check and wait.

see if you can add a fan to get that temp down a few degrees IMO

I ran gfo within the first 2 weeks of having water in my 210gal and have never had an outbreak. It's never to early for prevention.