Algae

[Richie49]

It is a 75 gallon tank. I have 2 HOB filters rated for 75 gallons. It's been running for a year now. I have 2 clownfish and a tang in there

 

[Richie49]

Is it ok if I put the GFO in a mesh bag and place them in both of my HOB filters?

 

[Dom]

Is it ok if I put the GFO in a mesh bag and place them in both of my HOB filters?

GFO inhibits algae growth by removing phosphate from the water column. But what if you have multiple sources of algae nutrition? I'd hate to see you make that investment and be disappointed with the results.

You would need (2) 10 ounce bags of Chemi Pure Elite for your 75 gallon tank. With weekly rinsing, you should get 4 months out of it. I don't get the impression that you are running any type of protein skimmer. Are you? Without one, your water changes should be about 20% (15 gallons) weekly. Perhaps more. I run a sump with a Reef Octopus Classic 110 Space Saver Skimmer and I do 25% weekly.

Richie, I'm not trying to rain on your parade; I hope you understand that. But it appears to me that your algae issues have more to do with inadequate filtration than anything else. I would consider upgrading your filtration system before anything else.

Can you send photos of your HOB filters?

Also how often are your water changes and how much do you change?

 

[Richie49]

Thanks for the info dom, and well I forgot to do water changes for a long time and that is why I have lots of algae. I don't have a skimmer and I do 15 gallon water changes now

 

[Dom]

Thanks for the info dom, and well I forgot to do water changes for a long time and that is why I have lots of algae. I don't have a skimmer and I do 15 gallon water changes now

I'd be doing more with your filtration. My friend runs a 10 gallon nano without a skimmer and foes 1 gallon daily. that's 70% weekly! It's a beautiful tank. That being said, he went away for the weekend and when he came home, the tank was a mess and took almost a month to bounce back.

Upgrade your filtration. In the long run, you will save money with all the water and salt mix you're using.

I'm curious; what kind of water do you use; tap?

 

[Richie49]

I use the 5 gallon water jugs that you can fill up and then I use a water conditioner with it. Should I upgrade both filters or just one?

 

[Dom]

I use the 5 gallon water jugs that you can fill up and then I use a water conditioner with it. Should I upgrade both filters or just one?

With each hang on filter rated at 75 GPH, this means you are moving the total water volume in the tank through the filter in 30 minutes. The question is this; what goes on in the filter? Chemical filtration? Mechanical filtration?

I don't see any way to adequately filter your tank with the existing filtration.

If I'm you, and there is money in your budget, I'd go out and purchase a sump. Make it a decent size so you can put a protein skimmer in one of the chambers.

I've never used water conditioner, always RO/DI

 

[Richie49]

What is the difference between chemical and mechanical?

 

[Dom]

What is the difference between chemical and mechanical?

An example of chemical filtration would be something like the Chemi Pure; it is a blend that helps to remove Ammonia and Nitrates. The blend also includes ferric oxide, which helps remove slime and PO4 (phosphates).

An example of mechanical filtration would be the use of filter floss where it physically captures debris.

What do you run in your HOB filters?

 

[Richie49]

Oh mine are both mechanical filters and it just has the cartridges

 

[Dom]

Oh mine are both mechanical filters and it just has the cartridges

Yeah... personally, I feel that your filtration is inadequate, but that is just my opinion. I don't believe there is anything you can do with the existing filtration to correct your issues.

 

[Richie49]

So should I just stick to doing lots of water changes frequently?

 

[Dom]

So should I just stick to doing lots of water changes frequently?

I don't know that a 25 gallon water change once per week will be enough. You really need to upgrade your filtration.

Look at this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/281068004758?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

It isn't anything to write home about, but it would be a big step in the right direction in terms of improving your filtration. It moves over 500 GPH, has a small 9w UV light built in, which isn't much for your tank but can't hurt. Inside are 5 trays which allow you to install chemical and mechanical filtration. And you can get it to your door for under $100.00

Did you ever test your water for Ammonia, Nitrates and Phosphates? I asked but you haven't provided the info... or perhaps I missed it.

 

[Richie49]

Bit I heard that canister filters aren't very good for saltwater and my ammonia nitrite and nitrate are at 0

 

[Dom]

Bit I heard that canister filters aren't very good for saltwater and my ammonia nitrite and nitrate are at 0

Good to know ammonia and nitrates are at ZERO. Either you phosphates are high or your your test results are inaccurate.

Canister filters aren't my first choice. I used one for a while but ultimately handed it off to my brother who is heavily into fresh water. What is inside your hang on filters? I mean, I know you said cartridges, but what kind? What are they doing?

I wish some other R2R members would chime in on this thread. I can only tell you that I don't feel you have adequate filtration with what you have in place. Perhaps some people have had success using this method. I just can't see it.

 

[Richie49]

I think it is carbon inside the cartridges and the water flows right through it and it catches lots of debris.

 

[Dom]

I think it is carbon inside the cartridges and the water flows right through it and it catches lots of debris.

Rich, you need to overhaul your filtration... in my opinion.

 

[Richie49]

What do you mean by that?

 

[Dom]

What do you mean by that?

I only mean to say that I believe your existing filtration is inadequate to support your tank, and that if it were my tank, I'd invest in a sump and protein skimmer.

I wish some other members would chime in. I've been at this hobby for 6 years but am far from an expert. I'd like to hear what others have to say.

 

[Richie49]

Oh ok thank you for your info and yea I plan on getting one later but they seem complicated and confusing lol