How to fight Algae?!!?!

[spaceman]

Hi guys!

Any tips how to fight algae?! I am losing ground with those yucky scum algae that is covering my sands!!

I have already reduced lighting in the day and even introduce turbo snails and goby without much success.

Has anyone has experience with phosphate removal or those algae removal chemical? How to use them effectively?

Or any other tips?

Many thanks!

[tineng]

a bit more details would help....like your current setup....bioload, etc....

[csloo]

ui can try Aquaz PurePhos...hair algae = phosphate.

Check ur water parameter, maybe high in silicate, nitrate & trace elements....

[spaceman]

Okie my one is a nano tank! 2 ft x 1 ft x 1.5 ft(H) but should be overload liao

Softies such as mushies, yuma & leather, stars, fan, polyps

Hard corals: Hammer, Cup and flower pot

1 rose tip anemone

3 damsels,

1 Clown,

1 bicolor Blenny,

1 mandarin,

1 Dottyback,

1 red prawn,

1 Majestic lobster,

2 unknown crab

1 mantis shrimp

2 tube worm

using 2 cheapo skimmers. using some sort of overflow system, not sure what brand

Last sunday check, NH3 and NO2 are Nil,

Temp around 27-28C using a fan to cool

1.025 salinity

[spaceman]

oh yah. got a blue feet hermit, at least he like eating the hair algae

[zarkon]

Bro,

what kind of algae are facing with? any picture?

[spaceman]

I am still unsure wat type of algae is growing on my sand! It is like brown green scum. it even grows on my star polyps, suffocating them!

I will take a photo later tonite!

quite a lot of aglae removal brand out there, not sure which one is effective!

[zephyros]

initially, i put the RowaPhos in a mess bag, but later change to using

a FR. The FR managed to reduce PO4 further. However, removing

PO4 does not mean that there is no algae, there is still many other

factors. Over feeding and no means to remove the access nuritents

is definitely one of the major factor

[hotlemond]

initially, i put the RowaPhos in a mess bag, but later change to using

a FR. The FR managed to reduce PO4 further. However, removing

PO4 does not mean that there is no algae, there is still many other

factors. Over feeding and no means to remove the access nuritents

is definitely one of the major factor

spot on bro

getting algae removal is not the way. One should look into the source of the problem, like wat he mentioned. Running Rowa only remove PO4

[AlfaRomeo]

Answer these questions and maybe we can help you with suggestions:

What are your NO3 and PO4 levels?

Do u run rowaphos or equivalent? How often you change the media and how mcuh are your running?

Whats your water source for top-ups and water changes?

How often and how much do you do your water changes?

Are you using a good quality salt?

How often and what do you feed?

Skimmer type and size?

Maybe after you answered the above, you will realise on your own whats the cause of your problems

HTH!

[weileong]

When detritus settles and collects then you got algae.

PO4 removal only removes PO4 in the water column. Having undetectable PO4 alone will not solve your algae problem.

I would at the same time looking into improving the flow in your tank and preventing dead spot.

Why do you think some people claims to have undetectable PO4 yet still fighting cyano (red carpet) ?

[AlfaRomeo]

I think Cyano uses nitrogen as a fuel for growth also. PO4 might be undetectable but its still there. 1st hand experience from a Red Carpet honorary member

Overcame it with lots of water changes, increase flow with another Stream, reduced feeding, reduced photoperiod, more frequent change out of carbon, siphoning of the red stuff every water change, thinning of the sandbed and running the skimmer wetter. Phew!

[zephyros]

running the skimmer wetter.

does it help??? i need to try ... fighting diatom battle ...

[weileong]

Diatom? Use RO/DI water for water changes.

[gods_angel77]

hi bro

if u want u can try using AZ NO3.

I'm having a DSB system initial phase of my tank operation i had NO3 of 40ppm after using 2 bottle of AZ NO3 & doing 10% of water change when first started to use the product now NO3 measure 0-2ppm

I don't use the AZ NO3 on daily bassies anymore

However when i perform 10% of water change every 2 months once & i use 2 cap of AZ NO3

So far so good NO3 in control

Use row phos to control PO4 my tank measure 0ppm

Feed moderately

Last but not least best of luck

Cheers

[spaceman]

hi guys!

Many Thanks for all the tips and advice!

Alas, I have no space beside or under for sump or any other filter system!

Okie here's my plan:

1. Replace 20% of the sand and water

2. Reduce feeding mysis and zooplankton to once every 2 days

3. Reduce lighting to 6hrs aday (my tank is enjoy free sunlight from the window)

4. Continue changing 10% water every week

5. using RowaPhos to remove PO4 (how much should i buy for a 12G tank?)

5. Must get out the Dottyback and a Damsel to reduce bioload

6. Pray hard

Btw, is it ever possible to achieve a tank with no visible algae in it?