[FishPharmD]

Well, I've run out of options to try (that I know of). I'll tell you the problem, and the things I think are relevant to what it could be, and hopefully someone here can pinpoint the cause and help me fix it.

I've had some green stringy algae-looking stuff growing in my 55-gal recently (within the last month). Some of it is pretty long. It is attached to my LR. It's pretty widespread, but hasn't totally overrun the tank, yet....(sigh). Brownish looking stuff is growing on all my water intakes and on the sides of my tank with increasing regularity. Also, there's a sort of film on the top surface of the water, and today it looks pretty thick, oily and nasty. I acquired a Aqua-C RemoraPro (yes!) to replace my old RedSea Berlin Airlift 60 (what a piece). Since I've gotten the new protein skimmer, it's pulling lots of crap out of the water, but the problem is getting worse. I also run an older-model HOB canister filter, which has a sponge media and activated charcoal that I try to change regularly.

I try to keep my nitrates below 10, when they get higher I do a 30-50% water change (depending on the severity). I'd say I check the nitrates and pH every couple of weeks. Lately, more frequently. Everything else I've checked is perfect (BTW...this tank is fully cycled and has been doing wonderful until about a month ago....)

Now, for my tank habits....I run my VHO's (2X220W) for about 11-12 hours daily (on a timer), I feed some frozen, some dehydrated food of various types, and some occasional seaweed for the tang. I feed my corals a small amount of DT's once weekly, and add small amounts of calcium and iodine.

I'm obviously having some sort of bloom or something.....how do I fix it, and what is the cause? Please help!!

[Reefland]

Ok first question, how old is the tank? Second question, what color is the long stringy algae? Third question, do you just perform water changes when nitrate increases or regularly?

As for the film on the surface, did you get the pre-filter/bubble trap for the Remora?

[FishPharmD]

Originally Posted by Reefland

Ok first question, how old is the tank? Second question, what color is the long stringy algae? Third question, do you just perform water changes when nitrate increases or regularly?

As for the film on the surface, did you get the pre-filter/bubble trap for the Remora?

1. About 9 months old
2. Green
3. Regularly, but follows nitrate pattern (i.e., regularly happens to be every three weeks or so when the nitrate starts going up).

4. Nope, didn't get the pre-filter/bubble trap.

Also should mention I haven't seen one of my fish in several weeks.

[Reefland]

Well a missing/dead and decaying fish could be adding some additional nutrients to the water which is causing the algae bloom. The tricking thing is that once you have an algae problem, testing for nitrates or phosphates becomes a real challenge because the algae could be consuming it before you even see it. Don't rule out that there is a nutrient problem because it could just be transparent.

The best advice I can give you right now would be pretty standard:
Perform regular water changes.
Check for Phosphate and act accordingly.
Try to manually remove as much as possible.

Do you use a RO/DI unit?

Scott Z.

[FishPharmD]

Now that I think about it, I'm sure that's what it is...probably too much nitrate and phosphate. I guess I have an algae farm on my hands! I get my R/O water from a local "Water Wagon" outlet....they claim there are no phosphates or anything else in their water (I called the company).

The question is, how do I lower the nutrient level (besides dilution from water changes)...should I just do water changes more frequently until the algae is under control? Any type of critters that will eat this junk?

Also....is there a DIY way to get rid of surface scum? Thanks!

[Reefland]

An easy way to help rid the surface film is to provide more surface aggitation with a powerhead pointed at it. The thing is however that the surface builds up the most nutrients so if you can skim that water off and feed it to your protein skimmer, it would remove it and not just circulate it.

As for lowering the nutrient level the first thing is to find the source. Too much food? To little water changes? Nutrients in top-off and water change water? You have to eliminate the source or it will be a never ending battle.

To help rid what you have, manual removal, ensure filters are clean and functioning (including any sponges or filter floss that is used to help polish the water) and the addition of some snails will help.

[FishPharmD]

I've got about 6 Turbo snails already, plus some Nassarius. Any certain type of snail? I'll just stay more on top of the water changes until I get it under control. I think the new protein skimmer really will help, and I'll look into getting the surface skimmer attachment for the RemoraPro. I guess I can find it online somewhere. Thanks for all your help Scott.

[Poseidon]

Definately get more Snails.... To give you an Idea, I have more then 100 in my 135!! I would say you need at least 48 Astrea, 12 Cerith, 12 Nerite and 12 Nassarious Vibex that should take care of that brown algae for you.

Here is a good link where you can buy those www.reeftopia.com