algea help

[vibe]

i have red algea growing on my sand bed. im thinking of getting a sand sifting star fish. bu still it taking over the glass on the back and i really want to get rid of it. i also have thick green algea build ups on both sides and the back. i put a phosphate remover in my filter and it seems t sorta help. any suggestions?

 

[bbq bob]

are you using r.o. water? do a water change and cut your lights back some. test your r.o. water for phosphates you may need to change your membrane and filters,good luck...............bob

 

[vibe]

trates-0
trites-0
ph-8.3
amonia-0
salt-a ltl high, going to do a water change tonite. i think i have to clean my filter. i never noticed the algea build up on the water return ramp. maybe that could be the problem?

 

[cliffrouse11bas]

What type of filter are you using. Do you have a phosphate test kit. If not you need to get one. Salifert test kits are the best imo. Also you might just not have enough water flow in that area.

 

[vibe]

im packing emperor 280 filtration. gives me plenty of water flow, or at least it looks that way. im picing up a phosphate test kit tomorrow. i just cleaned out my entire filter an tried to scrub algea off the tank side. the green algea is to thick for my algea pad to rub off. i might have to get some razor blades . the water return ramp had a lot of algea growth i got rid of it so lets see how well everthing turns out.

 

[cliffrouse11bas]

What type of water are you using for water changes and topoffs?

 

[vibe]

well i add r/o water from my LFS. and i also use salt water from my LFS too to balance alk. during water changes. squamosas require less light than maximas? my tank has been set up for over a year now . btw cliff thanx for posting on my thread for the nano site.

 

[cliffrouse11bas]

Do you test for calcium and alkalinity. That is the main thing to test for. Get salifert test kits from this site they are the cheapest around. Shipping is cheap also. Please read alot before doing a clam. You need to have a calcium level around 440 and alk around 3.5-3.0.

 

[vibe]

cliff what bulbs do you suggest for the retro fit kit?