[Sue]

Hope someone can help me please .

I have a 5ft by 2ft by 2ft with a 40 gallon sump ! which has been set up for nearly a year,(upgraded from 50 gallons)

All has been running smoothly and the water tests are briliiant,it is very lightly stocked re corals etc ,

I am having a real problem with Hair algae,i have renewed the Rowaphos, put in tons more snails etc,but now it is getting unsightly

I have
1 Coral beauty
5 Green chromis
2 Percula clowns
1 Chalk goby
1 Scooter blennie
1 Sand sifter starfish,1 blue linkia,and 1 maldive star
And a mixture of hard and soft corals

1 Ritteri Anenome and 1 BTA with resident porcelain crab

I run a Tunze stream and various powerheads,in my sump i have an APF600 Skimmer,and 2 Aquabee 2000's running the return water .

I also Use the R/O D/I Unit kent maxxima 35gpd.

Can anyone advise me what i can possibly do to eradicate this problem

TIA Sue

ps: if i can think of anything else i will add later

[Poseidon]

I am having a real problem with Hair algae,i have renewed the Rowaphos, put in tons more snails etc,but now it is getting unsightly

Usually hair algae is caused by high Phosphates. How long has it been since you have done a water change, and what is your water change schedule? My first step would be do a large water change, and then do another one a few days later. Next I would add a Yellow Tang, or a Fox Face rabbit fish to help "prune" the algae. Then keep tabs on the phosphate levels, make sure to check the water you use to mix for phosphate too. If your RO membrane DI cartridge is due for replacement it may be contributing to your problem.

[Sue]

Originally Posted by Poseidon

Usually hair algae is caused by high Phosphates. How long has it been since you have done a water change, and what is your water change schedule? My first step would be do a large water change, and then do another one a few days later. Next I would add a Yellow Tang, or a Fox Face rabbit fish to help "prune" the algae. Then keep tabs on the phosphate levels, make sure to check the water you use to mix for phosphate too. If your RO membrane DI cartridge is due for replacement it may be contributing to your problem.

Hi and thanks for the reply

Ok i water change every couple of weeks ! the Rowaphos has just been changed ! and the R/O unit is brand new so no probs with the membrane

Would a yellow tang be safe with my inhabitants ? if so i will add one of them

[Poseidon]

Yup I don't see anything on your list that a Yellow tang would have a problem with. They are excellent grazers and usually a peaceful addition to the tank. I have had one in almost every Salt tank I have kept. I don't think you can beat the color with only a $20.00 fish!!

[Sue]

Originally Posted by Poseidon

Yup I don't see anything on your list that a Yellow tang would have a problem with. They are excellent grazers and usually a peaceful addition to the tank. I have had one in almost every Salt tank I have kept. I don't think you can beat the color with only a $20.00 fish!!

Excellent thank you very much for all your help

Regards Sue

[Poseidon]

No problem. Good luck with the Algae, it can be a PITA!!!

[Sue]

Well i am getting the tang tomorrow and i have put my Tunze to stay on all day instead of every i5 minutes and have added an Air stone with all that it should help !! also did a large water change today
Thanks again poseidon

[Wind]

Hey everyone. Do you mind if i tag and ask for help as well?

My tank is about 3 months - 4 months. It is a 90 gallon, with 2-fishes (1 firefish, 1 clown goby). The thing is, I am getting this algae on the rocks and what not. I passed the diatom stage, but this stage its like brown algae that can be peeled of easily and what not. Sometimes it siphons out really easy. What could this be?

I've noticed that after a water change (NSW) these algae boom and turn rich in deep brown color. I do run a skimmer and what not. I've also noticed choke bubbles everywhere w/ this algae (not valonia though). No hair algae whatsoever. Do you think it could be the NSW? Should I just ride it through or like go to IO?

Thanks, i'll try to get a pick??
thanks..

[Reefland]

From the sounds of your description, I think you have some cyanobacteria growing and if you notice it right when you do a water change then I would say it is your source.

Scott Z.

[Wind]

ya it really explodes overnight and stuff.. i was thinking that perhaps i should go use IO for a few water changes and go from there..

thanks..i'll try post pics to 2x confirm..