So I've been having an issue with nuisance algae and bacteria for about a month now. I just got back from a week long vacation and I come back to an algae filled tank. I'm reading 0 nitrates and phosphates, but I assume the algae in my system is consuming them from the water column. I run biopellets and feed sparingly. What should I do to remedy this issue? Any advice is greatly appreciated!!!
Cyanobacteria and Green Hair Algae
- Thread starter NikoO
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So I've been having an issue with nuisance algae and bacteria for about a month now. I just got back from a week long vacation and I come back to an algae filled tank. I'm reading 0 nitrates and phosphates, but I assume the algae in my system is consuming them from the water column. I run biopellets and feed sparingly. What should I do to remedy this issue? Any advice is greatly appreciated!!!
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When I see it this bad, I would recommend taking out the rock and scrubbing it down really well. Then doing a large water change and getting a good clean up crew. It will not be a quick battle to get rid of the amount of algae. Best of luck!
Big G
captain dunsel
Welcome to the "new tank uglies" that will continue for awhile until your tank matures a bit more. Been there, done that. 
Your best friends are a toothbrush and a siphon hose. Turn up your powerheads and gently scrub the algae while holding the siphon near by. When done, change your filter socks after letting the water flow for a bit. Do a water change. Repeat as necessary. At one point I was doing this every two - three days, until the algae faded. Lots of elbow grease my friend. Lots. And get one of these if you don't already have one. It's great for stirring the tank sand and spot feeding later for some corals/fish.
Your best friends are a toothbrush and a siphon hose. Turn up your powerheads and gently scrub the algae while holding the siphon near by. When done, change your filter socks after letting the water flow for a bit. Do a water change. Repeat as necessary. At one point I was doing this every two - three days, until the algae faded. Lots of elbow grease my friend. Lots. And get one of these if you don't already have one. It's great for stirring the tank sand and spot feeding later for some corals/fish.
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Also it maybe really helpful if you really post as much info about your tank. I’m sure we will all be able to help.
Things to answer :
Tank size
Salinity
Ca
Kh
Mg
Temp
No3
Po4
Fish load
Feeding habits
Skimmer
Water change schedule
Etc
The more you give us. The better it is for us to help address the issue.
Things to answer :
Tank size
Salinity
Ca
Kh
Mg
Temp
No3
Po4
Fish load
Feeding habits
Skimmer
Water change schedule
Etc
The more you give us. The better it is for us to help address the issue.
Ocean Lotion
Well-Known Member
Was the rock "used", live or dead rock that you put in the tank?
Some of that looks a bit like Dino’s. Can you get a clearer pic of the longer strandy stuff?
I’m not saying gha can’t spread fast but this seems really fast as you said it appeared after being on vacation for a week. Dino’s can pop up almost overnight. The treatment would be different for Dino’s.
I’m not saying gha can’t spread fast but this seems really fast as you said it appeared after being on vacation for a week. Dino’s can pop up almost overnight. The treatment would be different for Dino’s.
Ocean Lotion
Well-Known Member
I have done battle with gha. It could survive a nuclear haulicaust. I would buy a hanna ul phosphorus tester to start watching phosphate, scrub the rocks, start running gfo and then read up on treating your tank with fluconazole to kill the gha. Do not think good husbandry will kill it.
@Denisk
Tank size 60 gallon cube with ~15 gallon sump
Salinity 1.024 - 26
Ca 470
Kh 7.9
Mg 1410
Temp 77-79
No3 0
Po4 0
Fish load 4 fish. 1 ~2 inch bristletooth tang, 2 clownfish (pair) 1-2 inches each, 1 Randalls Goby about 3 inches
Feeding habits pellets for the clowns (1 mini pinch) daily or every other day. Mysis once or twice a week broadcast
Skimmer CS 180 Seaside Aquatics
Water change schedule 5 gallon weekly
Etc
Tank size 60 gallon cube with ~15 gallon sump
Salinity 1.024 - 26
Ca 470
Kh 7.9
Mg 1410
Temp 77-79
No3 0
Po4 0
Fish load 4 fish. 1 ~2 inch bristletooth tang, 2 clownfish (pair) 1-2 inches each, 1 Randalls Goby about 3 inches
Feeding habits pellets for the clowns (1 mini pinch) daily or every other day. Mysis once or twice a week broadcast
Skimmer CS 180 Seaside Aquatics
Water change schedule 5 gallon weekly
Etc
Thanks for all the opinions guys!!!
Even though I have unsightly algae in my tank, my corals are exploding in growth. My acros are encrusting their plugs, my torches and acan are sprouting heads.
Even though I have unsightly algae in my tank, my corals are exploding in growth. My acros are encrusting their plugs, my torches and acan are sprouting heads.
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Pics 2/3/4 especially the strandy stuff on the glass. Do you see a lot of little bubbles in the strandy algae? Does it look snotty or like a chea pet?
If you can get some closer up pics that would help. Dino’s is a bacteria and it usually pops up when nutrients are close to zero. From the pics I’m leaning towards Dino’s but a closer pic and description is needed to confirm it.
If you can get some closer up pics that would help. Dino’s is a bacteria and it usually pops up when nutrients are close to zero. From the pics I’m leaning towards Dino’s but a closer pic and description is needed to confirm it.
