Green Algae (non-hair like)

[CC-Star]

Update...adding another MaxJet Powerhead has cut down the amount of algae growth in the tank, also any hair algae that had started is now gone due to a yellow tang, and 3 turbo snails. So skore on my way to one happy tank Now I know for sure once i get the RO/DI i will have it licked 100%.

 

[Tackett]

Re: Tackett,
I have the worst PS out there but it actually pulls off a LOT of stuff (Red Sea Prizim)

You would be suprised just how much that skimmer DOESNT pull out.

I know its not the best but its doing its job and makes sense to me to cut the nutrients from the souce (being the water from the tap) first. Then I wouldnt have to worry about how much the PS is pulling off.To get rid of the nutrients we plan on getting an RO/DI to start with, then when we upgrade to a bigger tank from our 55 (hopefully a 200-220 gal) then we will sink some money into buying a massive skimmer.

Removing nutrients from your tap will NOT solve your problem, it is essential to keep algae nutrients out of your tank by eliminating it from your source water, however I was talking about excess nutrients in your tank. Nutrients meaning by-products of waste breakdown (fish waste, excess food, etc.) phosphates and the like will be produced by other things in your tank besides your source water. Many people that use RO water still sometimes wind up with a algae problem due to the combination of overfeeding and inadequate skimming. This is what is causing the algae to grow, if you can take the excess protiens out of the column before the nitrification process takes place, you are one step ahead of the game, which is where the huge skimmer comes into play. I would almost guaruntee that a large skimmer and RO unit will reduce your algae problems, if not eliminate them. If the algae has nothing to eat, it will not grow, period.

 

[Tackett]

oh and once you get that 200 or 220 I would suggest TWO massive skimmers.

 

[CC-Star]

Oh I can imagine...seeing pictures of other peoples skimmers and how much they pull out makes me wonder that is for sure. Ya I agree everything is a factor and one thing will not just cure the problem that is for sure. Just as per usual w. this hobby money seems to limit me to only doing one thing at a time, especially Canadian prices on aquarium stuff YESSH. So starting w. an RO/DI and hopefully taking your advice condure up some more and convince my husband to get a better skimmer in hopefully a short period of time.

I would luv to upgrade everyone talks about Aqua C Remora, but not sure what would be suitable for a 55 gal tank. (Any suggestions) I take it is something similar to the Prizim in the fact that it is a hang on?
I was thinking once we upgrade to the 200+ we could have that one their and as well add one that is the type that goes in the sump.

For Instance:
For now an Aqua C Remora Pro for this 55gal, and then when I get the the 200+gal I can get an additional Euroreef that goes in the sump. Would that work? Is one better than the other? Because I would rather find out now then after....

 

[Tackett]

Yeah you could do that, just hang the Aqua C on the sump and put the Euro down in the sump. I have never heard ANY negative comments about the Euroreefs.

 

[CC-Star]

Thanks sounds good

No negative comments w. AQUAC REMORA PRO WITH MAG DRIVE 3 have you??

 

[Tackett]

No, magdrives are badass little pumps anyways. I have a magdrive 5 for my return line and its never failed me.

 

[HClH2OFish]

Not a plug for him, but if ya check out www.melevsreef.com he sells some slick looking RO/DI units...check em out...

Oh...and if your Prizm is pulling out lotta gunk, a really good skimmer will pull out a LOT of gunk. I've got a Prizm and it's fine for smaller tank (mines on 25gal w/only 2 fish in it)
On a heavier stocked 55, I think it's pushing the limit for the Prizm IMHO.

Just my .02!!

 

[supergiantrobot]

My tank has been up and running for six months, and I recently got an algae bloom, probably as a result of some heavy feeding as new tank residents get acclimated.

I highly recommend trochus and cerith snails. They can upright themselves, and they seem to eat everything. I also have a lawnmower blenny who is getting quite rotund from grazing on algae all day. I also like margarita snails, but once they turn over, they cannot right themselves, so you have to do a snail patrol to fix them. I keep margaritas in the 'fuge and trochus and ceriths in the display.