algae problem

[evenkeel]

Here's my problem...I have alot of algae (brownish green) growth on the sides of my tank. The past couple weeks, I've been doing water changes (5%) using distilled water (I just purchased an ro/di unit) to try and cut the algae growth. I had a high phosphate (.1 ppm), that's why I went with using distilled water for my changes. But the algae growth seems to have gotten worse. I'll clean the sides on Sundays and by Fridays it will covered again. The tank has been running since the first of the year (2003) and my water readings have been consistantly at: pH 8.2, nitrates 5, nitrites 0, salinity 1.022-1.024, for the past month or so. I have a maroon clown and a cleaning crew consisting of 5 turbo snails, 10 blue legged crabs, a brittle star and 2 peppermint shrimp, 23.5 lbs of live bali rock and 15 lbs of LS mixed with 20 lbs of crushed coral. I have 38 gal tank (36x20x12) with a cpr bak-pak II filter, a powersweep 228, for light I have have a 36" Coralife, w/2x96 (192 total) watts. I just ordered a H.O.T (hang on tank) Magnum 250 to try and stop the algae. Does anybody have any idea why I'm getting this much algae and most of all any suggestions on how to stop it!

 

[barracuda]

You can try to istall phosphate/silicate sponge. Increase circulation within the tank if you don't have enough. Also it's not a good idea to mix CC with LS. Detrit that was trapped in your sand bed may also cause algae bloom.
Check your source water for phosphates and silicates. Cut on feeding. Compare the readings of your phosphate test kit with someone else's, possibly LFS. Your Phosphate test kit may give you a wrong (low reading).

 

[barracuda]

Also, what additives do you add?

 

[evenkeel]

I used a sponge, off hand, don't remember the brand.

 

[evenkeel]

Thanks for you suggestions.
My LFS come up with the same reading I did. Shouldn't using distilled water cut down on the phosphate within the tank?

 

[barracuda]

some of brands are more efficient that other. Also it should be used for no more that directed (then can be regenerated) and should be placed in area with highest flow, so that water will be forced to flow through the sponge.

 

[barracuda]

Shouldn't using distilled water cut down on the phosphate within the tank?
Well, distilled water isn't RO water. It may still contain something, imo. I never used distilled water.

 

[evenkeel]

I asked my LFS the best place to put it in the bak-pak that I have and they had me put it in the protien skimmer. The bak-pak does't really have a "normal" place to put anything like a sponge. I have taken the sponge out with hopes of lowering the phosphates with water changes and better water.

 

[jcsurfn]

Another thing to do when cleaning the algae off the glass is to try to wipe it and then rinse whatever it is you are using. This way you get it out of the tank instead of just getting it off the glass and letting it stay in the tank then it will stiff find a place to go. At least this is what i have read. I dont know if you are doing that or not but if not give it a try.
I am having problems with algae on the glass also. I guess just try to get as much out as possible. Use RO/DI water as you said you were going to use and keep at it.
Good Luck.