algea explosion....help!!!!!

[shcuck]

hi all, need some help with algea. just recently i started getting a lot of red and brown algea on the tank bottom (Argonite). I also get a lot of bubbles from the sand. I have vacumed the sand 2 times already, but it seems that 2 days after i vacum, i am back to square 1. today when i was vacuming i noticed a sulfer smell in the water. what does all this mean, and how do i fix? i have checked all levels of the water and all tests come out clean. nitrates at 5ppm, nitrites at 0, amonia 0, phosphates 0, ph 8.4, temp 78-80. I have a prizm skimmer which i know sucks and will be getting a better one soon. is that the cause?

any help would be great.....

thanks

 

[Len]

Is the algae slimey? I'm trying to figure out if you're dealing with cyanobacteria. Nutrients is obviously the main source of algae problems, but aging light bulbs or insufficient current can effect it as well. A bigger skimmer will help in not only removing nutrients but also oxygenating your water. It sounds like your water could use more oxygen saturation. The sulfur smell is from anoxic bacteria whose byproduct is sulfuric compounds. More flow and oxygen could alleviate this and the algae problem.

 

[shcuck]

thanks a lot Len for the advise and info. here are some pics of the algea problem. Also do you have any recommedations for a good skimmer? in the $130-$170 range?

 

[Oceans Ferevh]

That looks like cyanobacteria to me. siphon it off when you do a water change and if that fails try chemi-clean.

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_med ... sp?CartId=

I had to use it twice but it had absolutely no ill effects on my reef inhabitants. I never saw the bacteria again.

 

[Anonymous]

A better skimmer and added flow will help.

Do you use RO/DI for water changes and makeup water?

What size tank do you have?

What type of lighting do you have and how old are the bulbs?

What are the bulb K ratings?

How old is the tank?

 

[shcuck]

for water changes I use water from the sink, however I have a water softenig/filtration system for my home, I am sure that the water is free from unwanted elements.

I have a 55g.

260 Watts (4x65) for light. the hood and bulbs are about 2 months old.

tanks is about 3-4 months old.

 

[Anonymous]

A water softner and RO/DI are worlds apart. Your water for water changes and makeup is probably the cause.

Your tank at 3-4 months old is most likely still cycling.


What are the K ratings on your Power Compacts?

 

[shcuck]

The Bulds are 10,000K.

In regards to the water, the system I have for my home is not just a softner, it also gets filtered through 3 tanks. see pic. Will that work?

 

[Anonymous]

Did your tank have any signs of cycling yet?


That filter system may be good. It all depends on what it is rated for.

 

[scifi_3d_zoo]

I think you are cycling.. for maybe a 2nd time? Are you adding food for some fish too??

 

[LA-Lawman]

sounds like another cycle.....

Cut your feeding by 25% and ride it out.... pick up Julian sprungs algae book.... it is great for this stuff.

 

[Anonymous]

thanks a lot Len for the advise and info. here are some pics of the algea problem. Also do you have any recommedations for a good skimmer? in the $130-$170 range?

These skimmers are close to that range:

This one:

http://www.asmskimmer.com/catalog/produ ... 4fd6c2e75e

These:


http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_pro ... sp?CartId=