I have a 120g FOWLR that has an algae problem. I call it algae, but it may be something else. Pictures are below.
In the aquarium is a Hippo Tang (about 6" at most, a yellow tang (same size), a royal gramma, two clowns, seven chromis, two neon gobies, and a dwarf flame angel. There is over 100# of live rock. I have a Coral life Protein skimmer and a AC110 filter operating. Also, there are three Koralia powerheads (two #3s and a #2).
The tank has been set up since October of 2006.
Last summer, I had a Tunze skimmer (9010), but either I did not know how to operate it or it did not work properly. During that time, this algae problem began. I do water changes every three to four weeks of 35 Gallons. Since the actual water amount is probably about 100 gallons at most do to the live rock, I am guessing that this is about a 40% water change.
The fish I have range from the tangs being almost two years with me, the clowns a little over two years, and everyone else between a year to a year and a half with me (except the gobies which I purchcased a month ago).
The only fish that have died or disappeared is a royal gramma and cardinalfish (due to a heater malfunction...thanks to a sea urchin now given away) and a neon goby who simply disapeared. Thankfully there have been no disease outbreaks.
There are no corals, and there are two hermit crabs since the beginnning of the tank. There are about a dozen snails.
I do not know the current numbers of the water, but when I had them last tested they were good. I don't remember the numbers. While the nitrates were not zero, they were I think about 5. This was before a water change.
Does anyone have any ideas as to.....
1. Cause of the algae.
2. Cure of the algae.
3. Prevention of the algae.
I have used Seachems phosphate removal pellets in my AC110. This does seem to reduce the algae for a bit, but it never disappears.
I have heard that a Phosban reactor or a UV light may work.
Has anyone tried either? Has anyone tried something else?
As for my experience with aquariums, it has been with freshwater before this saltwater tank. I have had FW tanks for about 30 years. However, I know I have much to learn about SW.
In the aquarium is a Hippo Tang (about 6" at most, a yellow tang (same size), a royal gramma, two clowns, seven chromis, two neon gobies, and a dwarf flame angel. There is over 100# of live rock. I have a Coral life Protein skimmer and a AC110 filter operating. Also, there are three Koralia powerheads (two #3s and a #2).
The tank has been set up since October of 2006.
Last summer, I had a Tunze skimmer (9010), but either I did not know how to operate it or it did not work properly. During that time, this algae problem began. I do water changes every three to four weeks of 35 Gallons. Since the actual water amount is probably about 100 gallons at most do to the live rock, I am guessing that this is about a 40% water change.
The fish I have range from the tangs being almost two years with me, the clowns a little over two years, and everyone else between a year to a year and a half with me (except the gobies which I purchcased a month ago).
The only fish that have died or disappeared is a royal gramma and cardinalfish (due to a heater malfunction...thanks to a sea urchin now given away) and a neon goby who simply disapeared. Thankfully there have been no disease outbreaks.
There are no corals, and there are two hermit crabs since the beginnning of the tank. There are about a dozen snails.
I do not know the current numbers of the water, but when I had them last tested they were good. I don't remember the numbers. While the nitrates were not zero, they were I think about 5. This was before a water change.
Does anyone have any ideas as to.....
1. Cause of the algae.
2. Cure of the algae.
3. Prevention of the algae.
I have used Seachems phosphate removal pellets in my AC110. This does seem to reduce the algae for a bit, but it never disappears.
I have heard that a Phosban reactor or a UV light may work.
Has anyone tried either? Has anyone tried something else?
As for my experience with aquariums, it has been with freshwater before this saltwater tank. I have had FW tanks for about 30 years. However, I know I have much to learn about SW.
