Green Water

[ZWesley]

Ok, I have had green colored water for several days now and my plan to get a turbo twist uv sterilizer fell through due to the cost. I need a cheaper (than $150, $100 preferably) option to clear up my water. Tank is 55 gallons with a 10 gallon sump and I would prefer an all in one but will consider getting a separate pump if the prince is right. I currently have an Aquatop swp 230. Thanks.

 

[Jekyl]

I would try and figure out the cause rather than being reactive. What is causing it to be green in the first place?

 

[ZWesley]

I would try and figure out the cause rather than being reactive. What is causing it to be green in the first place?

It isn’t excess nitrates, perhaps phosphates or excess light, I recently got a new one and upped the par quite a bit from the old failing one. I don’t think my light schedule is much different though. What should I be looking for for a white light schedule?

 

[Nigel35]

Green water is the result of a bacterial bloom. Have you tested your nutrients lately? I would start with an accurate test from a trusted LFS that doesn't use API and then go from there.

Nigel

 

[ZWesley]

Green water is the result of a bacterial bloom. Have you tested your nutrients lately? I would start with an accurate test from a trusted LFS that doesn't use API and then go from there.

Nigel

Nearest lfs like that is over an hour away, no dice as I have an appointment today and an event tomorrow.

 

[Nigel35]

Do you have any testing equipment that is reliable?

 

[ZWesley]

Do you have any testing equipment that is reliable?

All api

 

[ZWesley]

Do you have any testing equipment that is reliable?

If it helps, I have had little to no nutrients for a long time, so odds are it is not much of an issue. Phosphate maybe because it isn’t readable but I suspect it could be the light.

 

[ZWesley]

If it helps, I have had little to no nutrients for a long time, so odds are it is not much of an issue. Phosphate maybe because it isn’t readable but I suspect it could be the light.

No nitrates or readable phosphates. Do you have a recommendation for a small uv?

 

[Nigel35]

What kind of lighting do you have and what is your lighting schedule like?

 

[Jekyl]

No pics are attached. Any chance you're fighting other algae issues? Is your water RODI?

 

[ZWesley]

No pics are attached. Any chance you're fighting other algae issues? Is your water RODI?

Primarily using RO, no deionizer on the system I have.

 

[ZWesley]

What kind of lighting do you have and what is your lighting schedule like?

Maxspect razor for a light (wattage unknown). Channel B and C ramping up to 40% from 1 am to 5, A80 B60 C60 D70 by 10 and running until 2, B and C ramping down to 40% by 9:30, lights fully out by 11

 

[Jekyl]

So you're running 22 hours of lighting?

 

[ZWesley]

So you're running 22 hours of lighting?

That was what was close to what ran on the last light and nothing like this happened. I did up the par from what it was when I started (150 max to about 170 and maybe 200 with a piece that is very close to the top).

 

[Jekyl]

That was what was close to what ran on the last light and nothing like this happened. I did up the par from what it was when I started (150 max to about 170 and maybe 200 with a piece that is very close to the top).

Different lights have different wavelengths. I think generally most run close to what I do. 12 hours a day, 5 hours peak, with a ramp up and ramp down. Trying to mimic natural light.

 

[ZWesley]

Different lights have different wavelengths. I think generally most run close to what I do. 12 hours a day, 5 hours peak, with a ramp up and ramp down. Trying to mimic natural light.

Including a blue light period? Do you think this is the cause of my algae problems?

 

[Jekyl]

Including a blue light period? Do you think this is the cause of my algae problems?

I don't use the same lights. I have kessil. I'll include a pic of my schedule for you though. I think I only have 4 peak hours actually.

 

[ZWesley]

I don't use the same lights. I have kessil. I'll include a pic of my schedule for you though. I think I only have 4 peak hours actually.

I will give the lfs a that I got it from a call and see what they say for a lighting period. Perhaps this thing has been the bane of my existence and not a false reading of or lack of nutrients with a host of other algaes.

 

[Jekyl]

Do you have coral in the tank? How are they doing if so? You said you're having algae issues, that's where your nutrients are going. Not because there's a lack of them.