Battle with dust algae

[amahairas]

I've had my tank running for a few months now. I cycled the tank with microbacters cycling kit, the cycle went great and was done within a couple of weeks. This sort of dust algae appeared about two weeks ago and then some GHA. I added 3 emerald crabs to keep up with the hair algae but now the dust algae is back and every morning after the lights are on for about 2 hours this is how the tank looks. Phosphates are 0.2 and nitrates around 5. I suspect the nitrates are the biggest issue here, but just wanted to get some other opinions on how to battle this stuff.

 

[stacksoner]

Are you sure this isn't blue green cyanobacteria?

 

[Rubberfrog]

How long are your lights on for?

 

[Thomas Danho]

Are you sure this isn't blue green cyanobacteria?

This is a common problem and most people battle algae with chemicals.
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[amahairas]

Are you sure this isn't blue green cyanobacteria?

Its much more of a golden color

 

[amahairas]

How long are your lights on for?

Full lights are on for 10 hours with an hour of blue/actinic before and after. So 12 total

 

[amahairas]

I've had my tank running for a few months now. I cycled the tank with microbacters cycling kit, the cycle went great and was done within a couple of weeks. This sort of dust algae appeared about two weeks ago and then some GHA. I added 3 emerald crabs to keep up with the hair algae but now the dust algae is back and every morning after the lights are on for about 2 hours this is how the tank looks. Phosphates are 0.2 and nitrates around 5. I suspect the nitrates are the biggest issue here, but just wanted to get some other opinions on how to battle this stuff.

Nitrates is down closer to 0, (API test kit, yea I know I need to upgrade) The weird thing to me is that it goes away at night and comes back the next day.

 

[00W]

With other tank params and equipment you're running might be easier for us to help.
But after only a month or two sounds like you are just going through new tank syndrome which can go on for a bit. Don't get discouraged.
Send a bit more info and we'll do the best we can.

 

[amahairas]

With other tank params and equipment you're running might be easier for us to help.
But after only a month or two sounds like you are just going through new tank syndrome which can go on for a bit. Don't get discouraged.
Send a bit more info and we'll do the best we can.

kH - 8
Cal - 420
Amm- 0
Nitrite-0
Nitrate - ~0
Phosphate - 0.25
I run a reef octopus 150int skimmer that is pretty well dialed in and pulls some good DARK green skimmate
GFO/Carbon dual reactor - half cup or so GFO probably is time to change as the phosphate is back up a bit but I've been trying to keep it just above 0
3 emerald crabs, 3 nassarius snail, tomini tang (went in yesterday), and a pair of clowns.

Should I be cleaning this stuff off the sand and rocks or am I better to just leave it and let it burn itself out? I've been raking the sand and turkey basting the rocks pretty much daily cause I hate the color. I just reset this tank after being out of the hobby for a few years and Im just trying to get it back to its glory days ASAP lol

 

[vsolovyev]

That algae can get pretty annoying, especially when you have to clean it off your glass everyday, that’s somthing most people just have to deal with until the tank matures, usually by the time your tank is a year old it should not be so bad.

 

[00W]

I agree. Might just have to manually remove for a bit.
Sounds like you have all the right equipment and you understand it also. Way more stuff than I got LoL.
Maybe not enough nutrients?
Seems maybe a little too clean?
Phytoplankton works wonders. It will out compete.

 

[amahairas]

I agree. Might just have to manually remove for a bit.
Sounds like you have all the right equipment and you understand it also. Way more stuff than I got LoL.
Maybe not enough nutrients?
Seems maybe a little too clean?
Phytoplankton works wonders. It will out compete.

Hadn't thought of phyto before, could be a good idea. I'll definitely look into that one.

Thats what I was thinking was that it may be too clean. I've been dirty feeding the tank and just watching my phosphates and nitrates to make sure I'm not spiking anything, but its all staying pretty clean. Guess its just the waiting game.

 

[00W]

We all know rushing it in this hobby is no bueno.
I get frustrated sometimes too.
The tang will help dirty and clean it up at the same time. Try a few things here and there slowly and I mean slowly.
I learned in this hobby to do one thing at a time otherwise I didn't know if what I did worked or not.
I write everything in a note pad. Sorry just old school that way.
Best of luck. If you need anything just ask.
Joel