help!

[jbdreefs]

Okay, my tank is only a few months old. I've gone through a diatom stage, cycled, etc.

This past week, a green algal bloom is taking over. I have been testing my parameters at least bi-weekly and everything seems to check out. Current parameters,

Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate low
Phosphate 0 - low
CA 410
Alk 10
Ph 8.1
Salinity 1.024
Temp 80

125 gallon DT. Skimmer pulls out nasty stuff, 1200 gph return plus 2000 gph in power head flow. 2 little fishes running gfo (maybe not enough). RodI water and IO salt.

Should i panic? I've read from time to time that an algal bloom is typical in a newer tank. Do I just wait it out? I probably could use more CUC (2 Turbo, about 25 astrea snails, about 30 hermit crabs). Any sponsors have a sale going? I thought about going through reef cleaners but would like to support a lfs.

I have been cutting back the photo period. Currently at 8 hours total (leds - blue for 8, white for 5).

What else can I do. Any advice is appreciated. Here's a sample picture.

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Edit: I should probably also say that another diatom bloom is appearing, but it almost looks like dying algea... not sure... definitely been through the diatoms once already.

Edit: Oh and the light is white only so that the colors show a little better.

 

[jamescook]

I can't tell much from the pic, but doesn't look too bad to me. Green algae is normal, it's the hair algae and bryopsis that could cause panic. A yellow tang and 100 small hermits and snails always help.

 

[smoothie]

The algae on the sand would concern me more. Hold back on the frags buddy until you get the tank under control. We've all rushed things before so be different by taking your time and enjoying your tank more in the long run. I know......It's hard to do

 

[jbdreefs]

Okay, plan of action for this evening...

20% water change, siphon up the stuff on the sand bed. Add more CUC. Change out my media (carbon and gfo).

Should I consider carbon dosing? I really do not want to add another item to my daily regimen, but if it's necessary...I'll do it.

 

[patrick]

You should consider carbon dosing. But not to just combat this particular issue now......but for the long term success of your aquarium. All the good stuff trends downward and all the bad stuff trends upward in a closed environment like our aquariums. Carbon is usually so very limited that it prevents some of the beneficial bacteria from proliferating to meet your tanks needs. Dosing carbon can help in a number of ways. Personally, I use ethanol, but there are some who like to use vinegar or sugar. Read up on them and decide which you prefer. They all have their pros and cons. The only real con with vodka that I know of is that it......along with poor lighting.......help cyanobacteria to stay healthy. I have found that is easily remedied though and do not have that issue. Siphoning the sandbed is very important in this regard.

 

[jbdreefs]

Patrick;730412 wrote: You should consider carbon dosing. But not to just combat this particular issue now......but for the long term success of your aquarium. All the good stuff trends downward and all the bad stuff trends upward in a closed environment like our aquariums. Carbon is usually so very limited that it prevents some of the beneficial bacteria from proliferating to meet your tanks needs. Dosing carbon can help in a number of ways. Personally, I use ethanol, but there are some who like to use vinegar or sugar. Read up on them and decide which you prefer. They all have their pros and cons. The only real con with vodka that I know of is that it......along with poor lighting.......help cyanobacteria to stay healthy. I have found that is easily remedied though and do not have that issue. Siphoning the sandbed is very important in this regard.

Thanks for the constructive advice. I really appreciate it. I'll definite get the carbon going. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the short story on carbon dosing is that It helps with nutrient export by encouraging growth of the beneficial bacteria, no?

Any other advice of what I can do in the short term?

 

[tony_caliente]

Check for a source of ambient light that may be hitting your tank during certain time sof the day. I had like coming in from a transom window that I woudl only see when home in the early afternoon. I blocked it and my problem went away.