algea

[gharner]

i have a brownish algea that is growing on my sand and live rock. it is getting a little worse each day. i dont have any snails or hermits yet and was wondering if they could help me with this problem and when i could add them in.
DETAILS: 12 gallon aquapod
Ammonia: 0 - .25 ppm
Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: 20 ppm
Temp: 76
specific gravity: 1.025
what do ya think???

 

[yerboy]

its normal and will pass.. your tank is still cycling and you should notice this clearing up soon. Do you use tap water or ro/di?

 

[jacksonpt]

Yep, it's a normal part of the cycling process. Are you doing water changes? If so, check the chemistry of your new water before you add it to your tank.

 

[gharner]

im using tap water from our well. there isnt any metals or anything in the water. i had a freshwater tank for years and never had algea problems but then again freshwater and saltwater are 2 completely different things. thanx for the help and hopefully it will clear up soon. the tank has only been running for about 2 weeks now with live rock and live sand.

 

[jacksonpt]

yep, I used well water too and had a slight algae problem due to phosphates in my source water. There are some good cheap phospate absorbers on the market... I've had good luck with the cheap foam phosphate pad, I replace it every week or so.

 

[gharner]

where do u get the phosphate pads? can they be used in both fresh and saltwater? and where do u put it..... in the filter compartment?