What is this stuff and how do I get rid of it?

cameronladd

cameronladd

Member
I am not sure how to get rid of this algae, I have increased flow with powerheads and still have seen little results. I think it is a hair algae, not sure though. What is the easiest (non-invertebrate) way of getting rid of this stuff?




 
salt210

salt210

Active Member
how old is the tank? what are the readings for nitrates and phosphates? how often and how much do you feed? what is your lighting schedule and how old are the bulbs?
 
cameronladd

cameronladd

Member
I just tested and right now my phosphates are at 0 and my nitrates are at 0, and yes I do have a protein skimmer. The tank is technically 4 years old, I moved it 2 months ago but managed to keep the sand bed intact during it. I have around 260 watts of light on there right now and the bulbs are fairly new(a few bulbs burnt out in the move though and have yet to replace them). My lighting schedule is from 7:40am to 8:30pm.
 
t316

t316

Active Member
Bigger, more frequent, water changes. And blow off the rocks and scrape/clean the glass each time just before the change. It may take a couple of weeks, but it will slowly start going away. But you should determine what's causing it...such as over feeding, levels too high, etc.
 
hlcroghan

hlcroghan

Active Member
Scrub the rocks with a toothbrush (clean one). Vacuum the sandbed to get rid of the algae on it. Change at least 10% of your water weekly. Feed every other day. Make sure there are no dead spots where uneaten food can settle. Reduce your lighting time to 8 hrs.
 
flower

flower

Well-Known Member
Originally Posted by cameronladd
http:///forum/post/3035946
I just tested and right now my phosphates are at 0 and my nitrates are at 0, and yes I do have a protein skimmer. The tank is technically 4 years old, I moved it 2 months ago but managed to keep the sand bed intact during it. I have around 260 watts of light on there right now and the bulbs are fairly new(a few bulbs burnt out in the move though and have yet to replace them). My lighting schedule is from 7:40am to 8:30pm.

Your phosphate/Nitrate readings are off...it says 0 because the algae is feeding off of it.
If you don't have any inverts then my guess is that food is getting into the rock crevices and feeding the algae.
You will have to clean everything manualy..get a bucket of saltwater so you don't kill your rock and scrub it. Use a turkey baster to try and clear the sand.
I have no clue how to run a saltwater tank without inverts. There has to be an eco system for everything to balance.

Sorry, but how to clean it up to start with is all the help I can offer, how to prevent it again later...

Why don't you want inverts?
 
deejeff442

deejeff442

Active Member
i agree with flower on this one a cuc would make life so much easier.
i see you have a puffer but as long as you keep him fed he wont bother the snails and crabs.
well maybe a little taste here and there.
but cuc are cheap.
add a phosphate remover even though it reads zero it will make sure it doesnt go up after the alges is gone for a return.
i dont mind replacing some snails here and there its worth it.
 
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