Need Help Algae all Over

[laxmax35]

:help: I have started a 90 gallon tank. I have 73 lbs of live rock with a sand base. The tank has cycled and I have a dogface puffer and a valentini puffer. The algae is out of control! I don't know what to do. I have the lights on for about 8 hours a day. My water levels are good. What can I do or get to help me with this problem.

 

[reef junky]

You need to get a package of critters. Start with about 40 astrea snails and 20 blue leg hermit crabs. You will see a bloom of algae at first, then when the critters get conrtol, everything will be fine. I also recommend a sand sifter goby to keep your substrate clean.

 

[bigarn]

I agree with reefjunky, the right clean up crew should help alot. It also can be part of the cycleing process. In either event give it time and you should notice a difference. Manually cleaning the glass would give you a heads up also. Hang in there, I know it's frustrating but it's worth it!

 

[coxy101]

Are you by any chance using tap water? Tap water can have all kinds of stuff in it that promotes algae growth (Phosphate, nitrate, etc). Also, depending on how new your tank is, you might just be experiencing the expected diatom bloom (a rusty brown layer on your sand and rock) that should subside as it uses up the silicate contaminants and other nutrients that aren't replenished (if you're using RO/DI water, that is). If that basic stuff doesn't apply to you, then try cutting back on nutrient addition (i.e., feed less) and search this forum for more detailed advice.

 

[laxmax35]

I thought that the puffers will eat the snails? Yes, I do use tap water. It is o.k. to get the snails? I thought I read that they will eat them. Please let me know if you get a chance so maybe I can get them asap. Thanks

 

[neotrin17]

Tap water is prob one of the things holding you back with the algae. I know from experience. I was using tap water and I couldn't control the algae problem. I switched to distilled water from the store...more expensive but less then a RO/DI unit. I have just purchased a RO/DI unit.
When I switched to the distilled water I could tell the difference within a couple days.
The algae growth started to slow and my critters were starting to catch up.

 

[reef junky]

Get a small puffer and big snails. Then the puffer wont be able to get the snails in his mouth.

 

[lion_crazz]

Your puffers will most likely eat any snail and possibly any hermit crab you put in the tank. The idea of getting larger snails will help with the dogface not eating them, but with the valentini, it does not matter much what size you get. Your valentini has the mouth to just pick the snail or crab right out of its shell.
I have two puffers, a blue spot (same type as valentini) and a striped (same type as dogface) and they both eat the inverts I put in the tank. Now, I just put inverts into the tank to help them file their teeth because if you don't, their teeth may grow pretty large.
If your algae is that bad, stop using tap water (because this contains phosphates) and switch to RO water. Also, if you only have a dogface and valentini in the tank, slowly cut back on the amount of light you give the tank each day.