Need some input please....

[Semuvan]

I really could use some input on how to fix this problem....
http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=115519
This is a link is of my tank and specs.
I need help with the green Algae on the sand bed. Any ideas?

 

[Entacmaea]

Hi there, I would advise getting a larger skimmer than the sea clone in your tank specs. Decrease your nutrients, and your algae growth will decrease. Also, you can try changing your water circulation (move one of your powerheads) and see if that makes your algae growth migrate. All said, it really doesn't look that bad! Stir the top of your sand bed slightly every once in a while and it will mitigate the "look" if it really bothers you...

I've never heard of changing spectrum of your bulbs monthly like you are- if your organisms are not being adversly affected, I guess it is ok- but I would advise against it. Your fish are not a concern, but your corals/clams will expend unneeded energy adapting over and over again each month...

 

[Semuvan]

How do I decrease nutrients? I only feed the fish what they can eat in 30 to 45 seconds, and I do water changes every week. I'll try the movement of the powerheads, and I won't do the lighting changes(it was only a thought that I might do). This is mainly an SPS / Clam tank only, do I really need a better / bigger Skimmer? I'm on a limited budget, but if required, I'll try and swing something....

Thanks for all the help! Appreciated!

 

[Entacmaea]

What kind of skimmate are you getting- thick dark stuff or watery liquid? While I have never used one, I have read many times on this board that the sea clone skimmer is really not very effective... you kind of get what you pay for. You could look at the turboflotor, AquaC Remora, or better yet one of the small Reef Octopus or ASM-G skimmers. Buy a skimmer that is rated at 2-3 times the volume of your tank. It would be very worth your while and the stability of the tank to upgrade to a better skimmer.

There is no mention of a RO/DI unit on your tank specs- what are you using for water top-off and water changes?

 

[Semuvan]

I'm actually looking at the DIY instructions on the 4" Counter Current Skimmer from Snailman's Reef site. RO / DI is all I use, and its TDS is 003 by a calibrated TDS meter. Mostly thinish green smelly stuff. You are right, you get what you pay for. I'm thinking on building this DIY and using 4' height.

 

[camaroracer214]

just fyi...those sand sifting sea stars will eventually starve to death in that small of a tank, especially if you have two of them. they may be doing fine now, but they will get bigger and will eat a ton of detritus that is in the sand. even one of those stars is too much for that tank. i'd recommend removing them and going with some nassarius and/or cerith snails.

 

[shavo]

Hey Semuvan, just a thought since i recently have the same issue. What kind of bulbs are you using on your tank?

I have had my tank set up for over 2 years now and never had algea on the sand bed until this week. I have used 14K 150 watt metal halides over my tank for that time span. I recently changed my lighting to 10K and in one week I have algea growing on my sand bed and my glass is covering much faster than before. Just thought I would mention it incase you are using 10K bulbs. maybe switch to 14K or 20K and see if it helps.

 

[Nemo2007]

I agree with the sand sifting star comments. They often take up to 12 months to die off after they consume as many organisms as they can out of your sand. I also was told they are detrivores but I don't know how much of that is true.