RSM Algae Bloom

[bstanford]

Here is my situation:
I had my RSM over over 1 month and I am having a naste algae bloom (Hair I think). I am currently doing 5 gallon water changes biweekly, I have been buying prepaid salt water from my local store? THEY SAID IT WAS RODI. The top off water I know is RO - but not sure if it is DI ( I buyit from a water store). I have snails and crabs. I have not checked my phospates (dont have the test) What are my options?

 

[b00st3d]

Leave your lights off for 2-3 days.

 

[nanomantis]

Tap water isnt the only thing that can spur nuisense algae growth. It can also be caused by phosphates and nitrates from over feeding/over stocking/die off, or it can also be cause by too long of a photoperiod.

 

[paintballer768]

Top fuels for algae is nitrates and phosphates as NanoMantis said. Check the nitrates, and if theyre over 5 ppm, I recommend doing weekly 50% water changes until they reach 0, or as close as 0 as possible.
Also, phosphate test kits are often expensive, well the worth while ones anyways. Go to the LFS and buy a phosphate sponge. I got one today, ran me $8, and it lasts 8 days. Removes phosphates from the water.
Tap water is considered to be a algae fuel because it has so many additives, besides chlorine that your city adds to the water, phosphates being something that is just there. I would recommend to NEVER use tap water. Use RO/DI water from your fish store as an alternative, or invest in a RO/DI unit.

 

[nvsbandit]

phosphate sponge?
gotta google that one...my algea is getting rediculous. i think i might be a bit overstocked tho.
GOTTA GET MY 90 UP! ugh

 

[paintballer768]

Its a small mesh bag with white balls in it, like the silica packets in some items. Mine was called the "SeaChem PhosGuard." That should steer you in the right direction.

 

[fishy4991]

get some inverts, I don't remember which kind

 

[paintballer768]

Originally Posted by Fishy4991
http:///forum/post/2621547
get some inverts, I don't remember which kind
Yea they would definitely help. A few blue leg hermits, some turbo/astrea/nassarius snails. If they dont do that well enough, consider gettign an emerald crab, but those should do the job.

 

[bstanford]

Thanks for the Info
The red Sea max comes with carbon bag and Bio filter media (looks like ceramic rings).
I have turbo snails and crabs:
I buy my water at a water store. I am sure it is RO but I dont think it is DI. (basically Sparklets)
I am going to go to my LFS and buy a phosphate bag.

 

[nvsbandit]

on aquaclear filters the little ceramic things in the bag are those the same thing?
cus ive had mine for like 5 months and just recently this thing has gotten rediculous. maybe i need another bag of that stuff.