Please Help

[R.Festa]

My bosses saltwater reef tank is covered with green stringy algee. I have hired 4 different "aquarium maintnance" people to take care of this problem but it keeps getting worse. So, i am going to try to learn how to do it myself. Does anyone have any suggestions as to How to go about getting this tank cleaned up? Oh, and what kind of algee is this green stuff? thanks, Marta

 

[cwcross]

Marta,

Hair Algea is typically caused by excess nutrients. Most specifically, Nitrates and Phosphates and Silicates that come from the water used to top off the tank from evaporation. To prevent this from happening it is general practice to use RO/DI water to replenish the tank. If tap water is used then it is likely that hair algea will become problematic. Also, excess feeding can contribute. I would suggest feeding either 1 time/day for a fish only tank, or even only every other day only once if you have a reef tank. Also, make sure the tank is stocked with hermit crabs and snails. If the hair algea is really advanced, then generally you need to starve it of light for an extended period and/or remove by scaping and filtering through a canister filter. Unfortunately, this is a time consuming and tedious task. It is better to use RO/DI water and good lights after you get the problem under control. Also, if sunlight can shine on the tank, this will also contribute to the problem...Sincerely...Collin

 

[NaH2O]

Marta - Welcome to Reef Frontiers!!!

Collin has made an important point. RO/DI water can be a huge help, if it isn't being used. Do you have any test kits? What is in the tank (#s of live rock, any livestock)? What type of equipment is on the system (skimmer, lighting, any other filtration)? Once we can determine where the source of your nutrients are coming from, then we will be able to combat the algae. Let us know what test kits you have, and we can advise if other test kits are needed. If you have test kits, can you post the results of your water parameters?

 

[Angelscrx]

What type of bulbs and how long have the light bulbs been in that tank? Snails and hermits work wonders. That's why they call them reef janitors, they keep stuff clean.