Algae problem! Help!

wildbunch

wildbunch

Member
I have been trying unsuccessfully to get rid of my algae problem. I have replaced the blinds, limited the lights to 7 hrs. per day., bought a small amount of live rock 5 lbs., bought a protein skimmmer.
But I still have a bad brown algae problem. Everything I have read is not working. The Berlin Protein skimmer isn't taking anything out of the water. Bubbles don't even come close to reaching the top. I think the Rio 2500 sump pump may be to small.
The problem has gotten much worse now that my Kole tang is gone.
What do you recommend. I am getting so tired of cleaning this tank! 175 Gallon. I am also having the same problem with my 50 gallon. No Protein skimmer on that tank.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike
 
twoods71

twoods71

Active Member
Brown algae, may be diatoms.
Algae or diatoms usually are caused by phosphates, nitrates, and silicates.
I believe the best way to get rid of the above is to use good quality filtered water for water changes. A properly working protien skimmer should help also.
The first thing I would do is get the skimmer working properly and then continue with the cleaning.
Also if you dont already have some clean up critters I recommend getting some.
Like everything else in this hobby it takes time to see results.
 
guppie

guppie

Member
Just a thought but you might want to try a UV, I know when I add one to my tank it realy helped with that. Good Luck
 
kappadoku

kappadoku

Member
A diatom bloom is normal for a 4-6 week old tank, if it IS a new tank. If its established, you can starve them out and replace them with something else more desirable.
By adding rotifers to the tank, the rotifers and diatoms will compete for the same food source, and the rotifers will win, crowding the diatoms out. Rotifers are a better natural food source for filter feeders, and wont muck up the glass.
HTH!
 
dugan

dugan

Member
I had a terrible diatom problem until I started using RO water. Also check your nitrates... if they are high that is probably your problem.
Katie
 
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