Potential Algae Outbreak

[the_bandit]

No problem about the delayed responce Shrimpy Brains. Ive been working on it by myself. I have changed the flow up a few different ways to try and help the flow. The worst out breaks seem to be on the sand bed. There is only a couple little dime sized spots on the rocks but when I do water changes I scrape it off and suck it up. I have been feeding only twice a week but I dont overfeed to compensate. They get only what they can eat in a few minutes. I also put a algae sheet out for my tang and apparently the clownfish because they munch on it too but I only leave that in for about 15minutes.
I dont think it could be the new rock that is causing any problems. It was sitting in a bucket for about 3 years but I was extra careful putting it back in the tank. I let it sit in vinegar, then bleach, then I power washed it and let it sit out for a week in the sun just to make sure.
I did a 15g water change tonight and sucked up the top layer of sand with the Cyano on it then cleaned some rocks, cleaned the filter pads and filter intake, took all PH's out and washed them well, cleaned the PS box and the water outlet, and once again rearranged the powerheads.
Im running T5HO's 216watt. Only 1/10 of the tank gets any sunlight but its only when I leave my blinds open but I rarely do that with as hot as it is and how fast my room heats up.
I do 5g water changes weekly and sometimes biweekly.

 

[flower]

Originally Posted by The_Bandit
http:///forum/post/3120919
No problem about the delayed responce Shrimpy Brains. Ive been working on it by myself. I have changed the flow up a few different ways to try and help the flow. The worst out breaks seem to be on the sand bed. There is only a couple little dime sized spots on the rocks but when I do water changes I scrape it off and suck it up. I have been feeding only twice a week but I dont overfeed to compensate. They get only what they can eat in a few minutes. I also put a algae sheet out for my tang and apparently the clownfish because they munch on it too but I only leave that in for about 15minutes.
I dont think it could be the new rock that is causing any problems. It was sitting in a bucket for about 3 years but I was extra careful putting it back in the tank. I let it sit in vinegar, then bleach, then I power washed it and let it sit out for a week in the sun just to make sure.
I did a 15g water change tonight and sucked up the top layer of sand with the Cyano on it then cleaned some rocks, cleaned the filter pads and filter intake, took all PH's out and washed them well, cleaned the PS box and the water outlet, and once again rearranged the powerheads.
Im running T5HO's 216watt. Only 1/10 of the tank gets any sunlight but its only when I leave my blinds open but I rarely do that with as hot as it is and how fast my room heats up.
I do 5g water changes weekly and sometimes biweekly.
How did you "clean" your filter pads?
Try this: If you rinsed them in freshwater or totally replaced them...you have upset the balance of the good bacteria. Rinse pads in the saltwater that you remove when you do your water changes, just swish them around to loosen the stuff off of them then put them back in te filter.
How have you been checking your flow from the power heads?
Try this: Get a stick or regid plastic tube, and tie a string or ribbon onto the end. Place the stick in different parts of the tank to see how much flow is going to where..check for dead spots this way. If the ribbon or string goes limp that area needs more flow.
If you are just getting small spots on the sand..a sandsfiting goby may help to turn the sand from sitting too long.

 

[shrimpy brains]

Ok, I would really like to help you with this. Mostly because it's baffling me and you seem to be doing everything that is recommended for this problem.
I've only had a problem with red slime once. That was back when I was using tap water. Tried the red slime remover once, it did'nt solve the problem because the source was tap water I was using for water changes and I kept reintroducing the same problem til I switched to ro/di.
Conclusion: the red slime remover will only be effective when the source for red slime growth is removed and then you probably won't need it.

So, is the problem getting any better??

I hope so!
If not, what is your substrate??
Maybe I missed it earlier, I know you have powerheads and a protien skimmer. Do you have any other filtration(refugium, wet/dry, cannister, etc.)??
Do you have or can you purchase a tds meter to check your ro/di and insure it is working correctly??

 

[the_bandit]

Flower
I have been completely replacing my filter pads. Ive always done this. Even before I had the algae problem. But I will start doing what you have recommended just in case.
I did the flow check and I only have a couple places with not alot of flow but for the most part, I am all good on flow. I plan on getting my 4th sand goby BUT only before I beef up my aquarium cover.
Shrimpy Brains
I use bottle water. I dont risk using tap water even though its been filtered at the water treatment plant. Supposidly its RO/DI water but I still dont use it. I go to the same place to fill all my bottles of water up. Ive talked to the company that runs the machine and it checks out.
I think I am starting to see a small improvement in my efforts. Cut back the lights drastically, reduced feeding, and checked the flow.
YaY

I have sand substrate. Its between fine and very fine. Im using a simple Whisper HOB filter for 75g+ I think. I have 110lbs of live rock so Im ok on filtration I would think.

 

[vince-1961]

Seachem Phosguard is great for removing phosphates. it's not a chemical additive.