Tank cleaning question

[cam78]

I have had my tank for 2 years I believe. Recently my tank is not as clean as it used to be. I have been getting a lot of hair algae and diatoms looking stuff. (brown). I am wondering if I should just take all the LR out, rinse it in another bucket, scrape off all the sides of the glass, clean up the substrate and re-scape the rock. Has anyone done this? Is it a good or bad idea?
I have no idea why this is happening. I do water changes 5 gallons every 7-10 days, my lights are replaced when they are suppose to be, and my levels are good. I'm wondering if my R/O is not good or working properly.
Suggestions are greatly appreciated!!

 

[spanko]

Do you test TDS on your RO unit to see when to replace filtermedia? What do you feed and how often and in what quantity? What is the flow in your tank? What is you lighting schedule and how old are your bulbs?

 

[nordy]

How long have you been using your ro unit? I had some diatom issues recently and the output was down on my ro/di unit so I ordered a set of replacement filters and a new membrane. When I pulled the old filters, man, they were nasty! dirty, brown, and smelled real bad. M<y tank is doing better now after the new filters.
As for breaking down your tank and doing a major cleaning, yeah, it would help but you would only be treating the symptoms and not the cause of the algae issues and it will just come back if not corrected. A balanced stable tank shouldn't have algae and diatoms. Like Spanko noted, also consider feeding schedules and make sure you have good flow.

 

[cam78]

Originally Posted by spanko
http:///forum/post/2893847
Do you test TDS on your RO unit to see when to replace filtermedia? What do you feed and how often and in what quantity? What is the flow in your tank? What is you lighting schedule and how old are your bulbs?
My bulbs are maybe 3-4 months old. PC's. I never tested for TDS but replaced the filters that hang vert about 2 months ago. The flow? I have two PH's, a hob skimmer (RedSea), and a fluval 303. My lighting schedule is 2:00 PM - 9PM. I feed my one fish, a clown once every couple of days and he allows NOTHING to drop to the bottom.

 

[cam78]

Originally Posted by Nordy
http:///forum/post/2893851
How long have you been using your ro unit? I had some diatom issues recently and the output was down on my ro/di unit so I ordered a set of replacement filters and a new membrane. When I pulled the old filters, man, they were nasty! dirty, brown, and smelled real bad. M<y tank is doing better now after the new filters.
As for breaking down your tank and doing a major cleaning, yeah, it would help but you would only be treating the symptoms and not the cause of the algae issues and it will just come back if not corrected. A balanced stable tank shouldn't have algae and diatoms. Like Spanko noted, also consider feeding schedules and make sure you have good flow.
MY RO unit is less than a year old I think. I nver replaced the membrane. I belive that is the one that runs horizontal right? Replaced the others though.