Purple hair algae?

[atcaw94]

atcaw94;385065 wrote: I syphoned out most of it, put a HOB filter as a fuge today (thanks tgray3), if that don't start working pretty quick I'm gonna try Marine Clean.

Also added some Phosguard. No go, it still keeps coming back.

 

[chymos45]

Skriz;384403 wrote: Nutrient removal is the issue you need to focus on: either you need a better skimmer or more water changes.

Also, you mentioned earlier that you have "plenty of flow". How much is that?
More flow will help keep particles suspended in the water column, prevent dead zones in the tank, and subsequently help in the removel of the excess nutrients by letting the particels get to the skimmer. The original photo you posted seems to have a good bit of nuisance algae, indicative of high nutrient levels as well.

 

[chymos45]

atcaw94;386289 wrote: Also added some Phosguard. No go, it still keeps coming back.

HOW did you add the phosguard? Reactor?

 

[chymos45]

atcaw94;385065 wrote: I syphoned out most of it, put a HOB filter as a fuge today (thanks tgray3), if that don't start working pretty quick I'm gonna try Marine Clean.

The 'fuge will not work quickly. I find that a 'fuge is good for stability, not a quick fix. You will have to give it some time. Remember, only BAD things happen fast in this hobby.

 

[atcaw94]

Chymos45;386292 wrote: HOW did you add the phosguard? Reactor?

In my filter box.

 

[atcaw94]

Chymos45;386291 wrote: Also, you mentioned earlier that you have "plenty of flow". How much is that?
More flow will help keep particles suspended in the water column, prevent dead zones in the tank, and subsequently help in the removel of the excess nutrients by letting the particels get to the skimmer. The original photo you posted seems to have a good bit of nuisance algae, indicative of high nutrient levels as well.

I don't have a skimmer yet. I have a Koralia 3 and a 250 gph powerhead that's built in to my filter box. After looking at Tom's 55, I may need more flow. He had 2 Koralia 3's and 2 Koralia 1's.

 

[skriz]

atcaw94;386298 wrote: I don't have a skimmer yet...

Here's your problem

 

[chymos45]

Skriz;386303 wrote: Here's your problem

Ding, ding, ding!!! We have a winner. :yay:

 

[atcaw94]

I've read and read and read, and everyone seems to have a different opinion on skimmers. Some say a certain brand is cra*, then someone else says it's fine. So.....is there a decent one for under $200? I don't have a sump at the moment, but am planning for one soon. As I'm thinking about it, what would be a good size sump for a 55-75 gallon tank?

 

[tgray3]

Keep an eye out on the boards. You'll see a lot of deals on skimmers. Most people seem to prefer the Remoras for hang on. Even brand new you can get them less than $200.

 

[atcaw94]

tgray3;386371 wrote: Keep an eye out on the boards. You'll see a lot of deals on skimmers. Most people seem to prefer the Remoras for hang on. Even brand new you can get them less than $200.

http://www.marinedepot.com/protein_skimmers_aquac_remora_pro-ap.html">http://www.marinedepot.com/protein_skimmers_aquac_remora_pro-ap.html</a>[/QUOTE]


Will it work in a sump also? Is it better than a BakPak or Marineland?
I need to try and figure this out in the next couple of days cause I'm placing an order to Foster and Smiths for some other stuff anyway.

 

[tgray3]

No it's probably not going to work in sump. IMO if you try to get a skimmer that will work HOB and in sump you end up compromising and getting one that is not real good at either. Since you are getting a sump ready i would just deal with the tank as it is and keep scraping and cleaning the cyano until the sump is up and running. When the sump is ready you can't go wrong with Reef Octopus skimmers and the prices are on them are very reasonable. I've heard their HOB's are good but then you are going to end up buying 2 skimmers when your sump is up and running.