Red Algae Taking Over- Advice Appreciated!

[Snorkel in my tank]

I've got red hairy algae (and a little bright green) all over my 150 g reef tank, it's now growing on some polyps, has spread in 2 weeks everywhere... ideas as to why?

my nitrite is 0, current should be good enough.

possibilities to consider:

A) I have 2 old power compact bulbs (out of 10 total) that may be emitting a weird spectrum by now, I'm still rotating them out.

B) I use tap water and treat it with Prime for topping off and water changes. I filter my top off water through a brand of filter that attaches onto my fosset called Pur. It takes out some stuff, not everything, not sure about phosphate.

Could this be the main reason for the red hairy algae? Nutrients/phosphate from the tap water? Would purchasing a deionizer solve this? I have not tested for phosphate, don't have the test, will get the water tested soon?

Thanks for your comments!

 

[Snorkel in my tank]

oh, one more question: if you all think purchasing a deionizer is the way to fix this problem, what is the absolute cheapest way to go? e-bay, or does anyone have any recommendations of a good site to check out? Thanks in advance.

 

[Mikef1]

Hi, Welcome to Reefs.Org

I think your main problem is the tap water. Also how mature is your tank and what do your other parameters look like PH, Alkalinity, ect... I would invest in a RO/DI unit it will probably be one of the best things you could buy if you are wanting a healthy thriving reef tank. This should cut down on your algae tremendously. Also what type of protein skimmer are you running? Here is a good website to look for RO/DI units http://www.airwaterice.com/Reefkeeper%20Home%20Page.htm
Hope this helps

 

[Snorkel in my tank]

The tank is about 13 or 14 months old, ph and alk are unknown but I think good, i'm going to test for those soon.

I checked out that site. Is reverse osmosis better, or a deionizer? Thanks for the advice.

 

[Mikef1]

You want both Reverse osmosis DI

 

[Snorkel in my tank]

okay, so I noticed the Mighty Might unit, the cheapest, is only reverse osmosis, and you're saying I want one that's DI too. So how important is it to have both? Is there a real difference that makes the cost difference worth it. Thanks, this is really helping...

 

[Mikef1]

DI gets rid of the rest of the Phosphates, slicates, ect...

 

[Anonymous]

Check out e-bay also lots of 100 gpd ro/di units for under a 100. You should check your water for phosphates also.
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economic stimulus package in detail

 

[Snorkel in my tank]

Gottcha... so is it expensisve to replace filters/ect.? how often do you usually have to do it, how much does it cost? I know it must depend on different things, but generally? thanks again.

 

[Mikef1]

Look at some of these http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dl ... ry=RO%2Fdi

 

[Snorkel in my tank]

Check out e-bay also lots of 100 gpd ro/di units for under a 100. You should check your water for phosphates also.

Yeah I was just looking there. one unit said it lasted 6 months before it had to have filters replaced... is that bad? whats the deal with replacing filters, ect.? thanks.

 

[Snorkel in my tank]

Look at some of these http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dl ... ry=RO%2Fdi

awsome.

 

[Mikef1]

Also some of those units have holding tanks, I dont prefer one for making water for an aquarium. I like to be able to make continuous water. As far as changing filter the DI is the most expensive. I actually buy the refill resin which makes it a lot cheaper. http://www.buckeyefieldsupply.com/showp ... y=40&Sub=1. You will see some of those units might come with a TDS meter, this is the way you test the water and know when it is time to change your DI filter. You will also have to change your sediment filters and carbon filters but they are cheaper than the DI and you dont have to change them as often. As far ad changing the membrane you should get at least 2 years out of it and will spend around 35-45 to replace it when needed. I recommend that you get a unit with a pressure guage and a flush kit. If you do some reading on the first website I gave you, you can find out about this WWW.Airwaterice.com The flush kit will extend the life of your membrane. Hope this helps

 

[Mikef1]

This is the one that I purchased and I love it http://www.airwaterice.com/typhoon%20111.htm They have great customer service and fast shipping Also read the part about the filter array this will give you a basic idea on how it works