Algae Problem w/ Pictures. Algae's Getting Out of Control!

[capnbob]

Howdy,
Recently I’ve been having some issues with algae getting out of control in my tank. I got the tank from a friend and when I started taking over it there was already an algae problem, that I can’t get to go away.
Since I got the tank, I’ve increased water flow significantly. He only had an Emperor 280. I’ve got 2 Maxi-Jet 1200’s, a Rena XP3 (got this yesterday), a Coralife Super Skimmer and the Emperor now. So I don’t think flow is the issue.
I’ve noticed a particular algae that’s growing on the live rock is spreading at a scary rate. See first picture.
Also there’s a light green algae growing on the surface of my substrate pretty quickly also. See 2nd picture below.
Here’s my tank information:
46 gallon bowfront. Emperor 280 filter. Coralife Super Skimmer for up to 65 gallons, Rena XP3 (remember, I just got this so it might help with water quality now), Two Maxi-Jet 1200's with Hydor Flo water deflectors. About 50-70 lbs. of live rock. Current USA 36" Power Compacts w/ 1 - Dual Daylight Lamp (10,000K and 6,700K) and 1 - Dual Actinic Lamp (420nm and 460nm).
I’ve been running the lights on a timer that goes from noon to 10 pm.
Here’s the list of my fish load:
Scarlet Hermit Crabs, turbo snails, nassarius snails
Royal Gramma Basslet
Blue Devil damselfish
Four Stripe Damselfish
Red spotted Hawkfish
Bicolor Blenny
Coral Banded Shrimp
Serpent Starfish
Percula Clownfish
Here are the pictures.

If you can identify any of these, please tell me what they are so I can research how to kill it. Also, any suggestions on how to kill any other these types of algae are much appreciated!
-Bobby

 

[jjlittle]

My guess is that the water has issues either tap has been used or being used and phosphate / nitrates are at levels that need to be addessed. Post your water test results and what water you are using and water that was used to start the tank.

 

[lepete]

Wow - that's one loaded tank.
What u feed all these little guys? and how often? Commercial food and a bunch of phosphate. Because your algae is spreading, I guarantee that you have phosphate in your system. No phosphate = no plant life. Your test kit might not pick it up because the algae already gobbled up all the floating phosphate.
Things to do:
* Use RODI to prevent phosphate/silicate in tap water.
* Feed live food (or homemade) to prevent adding phosphate - a perservative in flakes, pellets, and even frozen food.
* Feed less often - I dont know anyone underfeeding their livestock
* Reduce light by 2 hrs - not too much because of your condy
* Run phosphate absorbing media

 

[capnbob]

I'm using water from one of those drinking water machines at my local grocery store. My nitrates were at 160 ppm when I got the tank, through water changes I've gotten them down to their current level of 0-5 ppm. I have 0 nitrites and 0 ammonia. I don't have a phosphate test kit.
I feed my fish once a day. I feed them a small amount of Formula One and I put in a fishnet and then let it melt so that I only put the food in the tank and none of the gross watery stuff that results from the frozen food melting.
I use activated carbon 3-4 days per month. I've only done this for two months though, as I haven't had the tank for very long.

 

[johnzo]

Looks like green hair algae....a pain to get rid of... sounds like you are doing all the right things....phosphates are probally the problem