New to Salt Water

[slwedge71]

Hey folks, I'm new to the Salt Life and can't seem to to get my water crystal clear like I see in most peoples tanks. Now I know a few other people in my area are having the same problem so i decided to join this forum and see what other aquarium peeps are doing. I know "hair algea" has been a constant battle down here in florida. Everyone I have talked to, that has and aquarium, has had a problem with it this last year. Going to link a few pics of what I have.

[chrisfont23]

Are u using tap water?

[slwedge71]

Were we are at in Florida, all we have is well water. So, yes I am. I make sure before I do my water changes that I test it for impurities.

[Aleta]

Just curious. How long have you had your tank set up?

[Reefing Madness]

Not enough Live Rock. At least 1.5lbs per gallon. I'm not seeing a skimmer either?? Tank that big, gotta have one. I'm seeing a phosphate issue also, you may test low, but your not low, the hair algae is eating it and keeping it down some. I also do not see anything in the tank for flow. ?? Powerheads perhaps? You need at least 14x water flow in your tank, water movement. That'll fix you right up.

[chrisfont23]

Well water is probably loaded w/ TDS. Depending on the maturity of your tank, well water combined with no flow (doesn't look like a powerhead) and some inadequate filtration (that looks like a Penguin BioWheel) and very little live rock and no protein skimmer - these absences will definitely lead to some issues. However, regardless...just keep in mind... a tank just starting will have the cloudiness and algae.

[slwedge71]

Thanks for the advise. Will go out and get a power head ASAP. I had a skimmer but it sprang a leak and almost cause an electrical fire. Will have to get another one shortly. Tanks been set up for about 6 months.

[191185]

Here's what works for me ..

$199 RODI meter on bulkreefsupply.com .. or there's one for $139 that doesn't have the DI, or a TDS meter .. The one for $199 includes a TDS meter...

I have 2 powerheads ... get some decent ones , along with 1 - 1.5 lbs of rock per gallon ... Since you already have live rock, you can just add cheap base rock and it will turn live over time ..

I absolutely do 10 - 15 % water changes every sunday ... I think that's one of the most important parts ...

I don't use a protein skimmer though. . .

[chrisfont23]

I absolutely do 10 - 15 % water changes every sunday ... I think that's one of the most important parts ...

Rated #1 home remedy by me!