I need some help guys and gals

[deegrimes]

Ok I have and amazing amount of algae in my tank. I have read the excellent post on algae problems. It is a great post but am not sure what is going on so I thought I would run something by you and see if it could have something to do with it.
I redid my tank due to a brook outbreak in my tank. Changed my subtrate from cc to sand (3 inches thick) My tank has been up and running for almost 2 weeks now and I have algae growing on my glass at an amazing rate. It is bright green and is to the point that it is turning my water green. I use ro water and have not changed my original filtration or anything my lights run the same time as they always have. I have no fish in my tank but I do have my cleaners which include 32 snails and 11 crabs 3 blue starfish and 2 strawberry conches. I also have 2 fire shrimp and 2 pepperment shrimp. I have never had algae in my tank like this before. Could the new sand cause this? We tried a 50 percent water change with no luck. I did add 10 pounds of live rock to the tank and it seemed to start after I added the live rock if that even makes any sense. I am at a loss here I really am. My nitrate is up it is 20.
Please give me any help you can it would be appreciated. My tank is a 75 gallon.

 

[susieq]

I did the same change in February. I also had a problem with algae. I think removing the cc causes a lot of pollution in the tank and causes a spike. It took about a month of consistent cleaning and water changes to get it under control but now it's clear. Good luck.

 

[deegrimes]

Thanks Susieq!! That makes sense. Can you recall how much water and how often you did a change to get it corrected. So I only need to scrub 10 times a day for about a month

I will build up muscles anyway

 

[badoleross]

I good HOB filter will help get the water clear while you are waiting for the bloom to end. Thatin addition to the water changes.

 

[murph]

Since there is not much in the tank that needs a lot of light right now why not try just cutting those hours way back for awhile and let the cleanup crew catch up.
I wont bother with the whole nitrate phosphate deal, sounds like your aware of those factors already.

 

[susieq]

Originally Posted by deegrimes
Thanks Susieq!! That makes sense. Can you recall how much water and how often you did a change to get it corrected. So I only need to scrub 10 times a day for about a month

I will build up muscles anyway
It really wasn't that strenuous. I just used a magnet on the glass and kept up with the water changes. I have a 55. It was about 15% a week.

 

[deegrimes]

just thought I would let you know that I have done a 25%water change and I bought an aqua clear hob filter and cut my lights back. As you can see I took all your suggestions. It is already making a difference in the algae. I am sooooo happy

. Thanks so much for your help.