Water tinted green shortly after water change

[acompsroush]

I have a question for the experts:
A few days after I change my water, it turns green. I have no idea why... I don't think I am over feeding. I have a 300 gallon FOWLR with a 90 gallon sump. The person that set it up said to put plants in the sump and it will help make the water clear and take away the nitrates...
So I went to my LFS and got some plants, but they appeared to be dead a few months later. I have grown a lot of algae, and I just wasn't sure this is needed. I keep the lights on and the algae is getting worse. Should I take the algae out? Do I need plants down there, or would I be better with a lot of live rock down there? Help please!!! I want to keep my water clear...

 

[reefaholic33]

What is your phosphate reading? Most algae problems come from high phophates, but water changes should help this in theory. You could use a phophate sponge to help as well. How many hours a day are your lights on? this could be another factor along with how old your bulbs are. If your over feeding this will also contribute to phosphates.

 

[acompsroush]

I am not sure about my phospates. I seem to have misplaced my tester. My lights are on at most 4 hours a day...
I scooped a ton of algae out of the sump today. I'll change the water and see how it goes.

 

[spanko]

Algae used in the sump is for the purpose of exporting nutrient out of the tank. Plants need nutrient and light to grow so the idea is to have the plants in the sump out compete anything in the display for the available nutrient. However if you don't harvest the plants on a regular basis you have exproted nothing. Now you say the plants are dying and guess what, all that nutrient is being released back into the system.
I am also wondering do you have a light on the sump? If so what kind, wattage, how long is it on?

 

[bang guy]

The symptoms you describe indicate a Diatom bloom when you change water.
This doesn't neccessarily indicate a Nitrate or Phosphate problem, although they can also contribute. Somehow Silicates are getting into your new saltwater. Check to make sure your RO/DI is working properly and all filter cartridges are not overdue for replacement.

 

[acompsroush]

I have a Lowes 4' cheap shop light. The lights are on about 8 hours a day, but I don't have it on a timer. I am not sure of the wattage.
I don't want to get harassed, but I use tap water. Can that be a problem?
Again, the water is green, not dirty. It is just not as nice to look at.

 

[spanko]

IMO both the lighting and the tap water along with any nutrient in the tank are causing bloom.

 

[acompsroush]

Hmmm. I used to have a 55 gallon and never had this problem with tap water. Which lights do you mean? The tank or sump?

 

[bang guy]

Originally Posted by acompsroush
http:///forum/post/2959251
I don't want to get harassed, but I use tap water. Can that be a problem?
No harassment intended but you will have green water everytime you add more silicates. It may be something you just have to live with.

 

[crypt keeper]

you say you keep your lights on for 4 hours. Then say they stay on for 8 which is it?
Invest in a RO unit. They are not that expensive and will save you on the green water

 

[deejeff442]

try adding some carbon to clear the water.