algae problem

[keperman01]

i have a feel that if i get an undergravel filter on my sand bed that it will cause major problems. I constintaly have to move the sand around in my tank to keep the algae at somewhat tolerable level, my tank is about 3 months old and i have 2 clown, 2 damsel, 1 crab 1 dieing anenome. ( i know to early) well is this a normal cycle of my tank or do i need a powerhead, i know nothing about powerheads and what they do i just heard they might help.....well thanks for everything guys your the greatest.

 

[armageddon]

Powerheads just circulate water. Its good to have water movement so i would suggest them. I run 2 in my 45, and when my 90 gets going i'll probably get another.

 

[qwiksilver360]

stay away from undergravel filters there are much better ways to go nowadays what is your filtration besides ls do u have lr wet/dry a protein skimmer

 

[thomas712]

Undergravel filters do not go with sand beds, period. The sand itself is a better filter, don't ruin it with a UGF.
Telling us more about your system and lighting could help us to help you figure out why you are having algea problems. some test scores would also help.
Thomas

 

[aquafox]

I am having a similar problem with algae. It started when I put my new light on...I bought a light that has the 50/50 bulb and the 10,000 k actinic. The algae is now taking over. It's not a reef tank but fish only with one sebae anemone (for my clown) and about 7 hermit crabs and about 7 turbo snails, two starfish, and a horseshoe crab. Do I need a bigger clean up crew? Is that the problem? Or is there some creature out there that thrives on algae that could help keep it clean for me? It's really bad...I am having to scrub the front glass every other day just to keep it clear...and I have almost given up on the rest of the tank...although my fish and other creatures seem to be doing well. Any one have any suggestions?

 

[jimmyn]

There are all sorts of critters/fish to manage algae. However, you need to find the problem, not treat the symptoms. All tanks have some algae growth, but if your algae is out of control, you need to look at your water first. Phosphates and nitrates come to mind for algae blooms.
Couple of simple questions, tap or ro/di water?
change in lighting intensity? change new bulbs all at once?
There are many factors that lead to out of control algae.
Good Luck

 

[beaslbob]

Originally posted by keperman01
i have a feel that if i get an undergravel filter on my sand bed that it will cause major problems.
Correct. Undergravel filters do not work with sand. The need a larger partical size becuase the smaller sized particles will constantly be stirred up through the filter. What filtration are you using now?
I constintaly have to move the sand around in my tank to keep the algae at somewhat tolerable level, my tank is about 3 months old and i have 2 clown, 2 damsel, 1 crab 1 dieing anenome. ( i know to early) well is this a normal cycle of my tank or do i need a powerhead, i know nothing about powerheads and what they do i just heard they might help.....well thanks for everything guys your the greatest.
You problems including the dieing anenome are caused by nitrAtes. As you already know, NitrAte is the end product of the nitrogen cycle and is consumed by plant life such as the algae you are shifting the sand to remove. By increasing the plant life nitrAtes would be reduced and the anenome would do much better. Adding desirable plant life (macros or marine plants such as turtle grass) will consume the nitrAtes and therefore help control the algae.

 

[keperman01]

well for my filtration i have the emperor 280 bio wheel filtration system for my 44 gallon tank. HOw much would a power head work and how do i use it, but will this nitrogen cycle ever end?b/c about every few days i have to clean it and its getting vary annoying but i love the hobby please help! if you have any sugestions

 

[keperman01]

one more thing i only have an inch of sand on my bed if i were to get more were could i get it so i dont have to spend 50 cents a pound at the pet store, i heard you can get play ground sand of some sort?!?!?! well any sugestions are welcome

 

[beaslbob]

Originally posted by keperman01
...
but will this nitrogen cycle ever end?b/c about every few days i have to clean it and its getting vary annoying but i love the hobby please help! if you have any sugestions
In a word no. the nitrogen cycle never ends. but it should get to the point where ammonia and nitrItes are 0.0 and nitrAtes are low. Adding a powerhead will not make much difference to the nitrogen especially with the filtration you already have.
You will continure to have algae or nitrAtes or both until some other form of plant life consumes the nitrates and starves out the algae to reduce or eliminate the algae on the bio wheel and the rest of the system.

 

[lesleybird]

Take out the dieing anemone before it releases toxins in the tank that can kill your fish. Lesley

 

[keperman01]

what should i do with it, its not totaly deflated yet( if that is the proper term) and still inflates daily but has just shrunk significantly
adam