How Does Algae Bloom Start?

dfox

dfox

Member
In the past week, I am seeing fast growth of light green algae. It seems to be limited to my glass and rocks. It does not seem to be clouding the water. I am wondering if this could be the start of an algae bloom or if it is just "good" algae? Tank has been running for 5-6 weeks. The snails are chowing down on this stuff, but they can't keep up. See the attached pictures. The stuff growing on the glass is the same stuff growing on the LR.
Here are my water parameters:
Am = 0
Nitrite = 0
Nitrate = 0-20 (different results with different tests)
Ca = ~360
dkh = 9
SG = 1.022 (trying to raise it)
temp = 78
pH = 8.1
LR = ~40 lbs
Lights are just a 48" flourescent dual strip w/one 40w actinic and one 40w 10k. Running for ~10 hours per day. Thanks!

 
zanoshanox

zanoshanox

Active Member
SO far the algea doesnt look to extreme, you're probably running your lights a little too long though...Check nitrates continually.
 
richie1742

richie1742

Member
if ur tank is near a window whare sunlight comes through the tank, or if ur not using r/o water for top off and water changes.
 
dfox

dfox

Member
The strange thing about this is that my tests never show any nitrate at all.....ever. I use the Aq. Pharm. test kit. The tank is very lightly populated. Only 2 damsels and a cleanup crew of 12 crabs, 6 snails, 1 shrimp, 1 brittle star. The tank is 55 gal with 50 lbs LR. I feed once per day.
I'm guessing that the green algae is eating all the nitrates? Is that right?
So far, the green algae has been managable. I have to clean the front glass about every 4 days or so. I've seen pictures of algae that looks like it is free-floating in the water and covering everything. I certainly don't have that problem.
 
dejaco

dejaco

Member
Algae blooms - Where and why do they start?
okay your tank is 5-6 weeks, your already stocked?
Algae need nutrients to grow - flat out nothing else.
The nutrients have to come from somewhere?
If you are using good RO/DI water then your are safe there,
if not start using it!
Your janitorial crew does not need food from you, your fish do.
You have only 2 fish, so like 4 to six pellets or flakes a day is plenty!
Do you run a skimmer, if not get one!
I tell you this becuase a mere 9 months ago I started and made mistakes in
feeding and addatives. Your aquarium is really a study in waste water
management! Good luck
 
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