Slime/Green Algae on Surface

[67Stang]

My 200gal reef has a bad case of Slime/Green Algae particles on the water surface. It is very annoying to say the least.

My water parameters are all safe, tested Ammonia, Nitrates and Nitrites all safe.

Have 200lbs live rock for 5 months and a live DSB of 4" Running a protein skimmer that produces about a cup every other day. Also have 4 power heads to circulate water and that's it.

I've been thinking about an overflow to skim the water surface down to a sump but that would be a project I need to take on in the future.

Do I have this problem because of the heat? The tank is always between 84-88 degrees.

Any suggestions on a cure for this without spending alot of $$$. Any ideas on the cause?

Thanks for the help
Bruce

 

[scallop]

The temperature is definatly a contributer. Is the Skimmer a hang on? Have you tested for phosphate? And finnaly what are the nitrates at?

An overflow would improve the situation drasticly.

 

[67Stang]

Hey Chris

Yep, the skimmer is a hang on, It's an amiracle for a 200gal. I know it's not the best but it's currently producing lots of crap so it must be working.

I haven't tested for phosphate, do you really think it's a contributer to this problem?

Nitrite just tested at 0.1
Nitrates just tested at 20ppm

I guess the nitrates are high and can produce algae outbrakes but it's only on the water surface. No where else to be noticed.

Do you think a water change is suggested?

Thanks again

 

[davelin315]

Your nitrates are pretty high, as are your nitrites. Phosphates are a concern, as they can contribute to undesirable algae. If you need to remove it, try a phosphate filter of some sort and boosting your calcium to precipitate it out of your water. Go out and get a cheapo siphon box to skim your surface, you can probably get one for less than $40, or even less used.

 

[cgbexec]

67stang,

Your temp is way on the high side. Most reefs around the world are between 76 to 82degrees. I keep my tank at around 79deg. Just a few weeks ago one of my heaters stuck on and raised the temp to 86 deg. A few days later I had a large Cyano bacteria breakout. I cooled the tank down over 3 days back to normal and then shut the lights off for 48 hours. This did the trick. The Cyano bacteria did produce a film on the water surface around the edge of the tank. Your temp is probably a factor in your problem. I would get a surface skimmer as soon as you can. Hope this helps.

Chris.