algae question/weird creature question

[southernexposure]

I have a 5 month old reef tank but i still get diatom (brown algae on sand) and now i just noticed red hair and green hair algae growing. I do not feed that much but then again i do not use RO water just a phosphate reactor which keeps my water at 0.03 ppm or even lower.
Why is this happening can you please explain to me?

Also i noticed a creature that is very small and shaped like a V it is white and has some grey looking a lot like a star fish with 2 legs what can this be?

[southernexposure]

this really red algae seemed to start when i added reef cystals or extended periods of my moon lights. could this be a factor?

richard

[Reefland]

I don't think the light is a source of your problems. We are facing the same thing right now and all algae problems are an effect from available nutrients. What is the TDS of the water you use? Nitrate level?

[WHOSYOURDADDY]

I had the same problem until I started using RO/DI water.

Like Scott said nutrients are the biggest cause in the increase of nitrate levels.

Water Quality, Water Quality and Water Quality
The best way to keep it under control is with weekly water changes.

here is a link that might help you.

Algae Propagation & Control

I run moonlights with a lunar phase tracker and that is benificial to the growth of good algae.

I just had a thought - are you running any Protien Skimmers? this helps remove unwanted nutrients from your water

[southernexposure]

I had the same problem until I started using RO/DI water.

Like Scott said nutrients are the biggest cause in the increase of nitrate levels.

Water Quality, Water Quality and Water Quality
The best way to keep it under control is with weekly water changes.

here is a link that might help you.

Algae Propagation & Control

I run moonlights with a lunar phase tracker and that is benificial to the growth of good algae.

I just had a thought - are you running any Protien Skimmers? this helps remove unwanted nutrients from your water

no protein skimmer just yet but i did purchase Purigen by Seachem i hope this works, and also some crabs so i will let you know what is up.

[southernexposure]

I think that is the problem a protein skimmer would work just fine i just bought Purigen by Seachem and some crabs so i will wait to see what happen. thanks

[saltjunkie]

i dont use ro water.. i use straight tap water with Prime to do whatever it does... and absolutly no filtration besides a skimmer deep sand bed and a refugium..
i think a skimmer is what you need..