Algae control

[LCP136]

I have a slightly over 2 month 90 gallon reef. I can scrub the front panel, but the back of the tank is completely covered in various algae. There hasn't been a bloom, it just keeps accumulating. I do use conditioned tap water, and i'm looking to buy a deionizing filter as soon as my budget allows. Does anyone have any ideas as to how I could control this algae?

[weez1959]

by using RO/DI water

[gettankedaquariums]

I have a slightly over 2 month 90 gallon reef. I can scrub the front panel, but the back of the tank is completely covered in various algae. There hasn't been a bloom, it just keeps accumulating. I do use conditioned tap water, and i'm looking to buy a deionizing filter as soon as my budget allows. Does anyone have any ideas as to how I could control this algae?

Yes, getting an R/O DI water filter is a major bonus.

Until then, I highly recommend applying bituminous activated carbon and some GFO in a canister filter for maximum effect.

One way to tell when carbon is exhausted, is when you first apply adequate amount of carbon, you will notice that you do not have to clean the inside glass of your aquarium as often.
When you notice in about 2 to 3 weeks that you are cleaning the in side of your aquarium glass more frequently then your carbon is getting exhausted and needs to replaced, carbon should be replace about every 3 to four weeks.

Doing weekly water changes is also highly recommended and use a good protein skimmer as well.

gettankedaquariums / Garry

[black_ice_pc]

As gettankedaquariums said, carbon definitely helps. I had some major algae problems, until I bought a Magnum canister to run carbon in. Now it's much more under control, probably on 25% of what it was.

[ibefishy]

If you are using a sump you can add some beneficial algae such as cheato to your sump and let it absorb the excess nutrients. After I added some to my sump my algae problem has greatly improved. I now have to trim back the cheato every few weeks and sell it to the lfs.

[Bigred0942]

Whats a Cheato??

[ibefishy]

Cheatomorpha or just Cheato for short is your best best. It is not invasive and never goes asexual.

I did a quick search and came up with this as a quick answer. If you do a search you will find lots of info on different macro algaes and what works and what to watch out for.

Hope that helps

[kickin chickin]

what about an alge srcubber?

[kickin chickin]

sorry for the spelling,scrubber!

[Ramer]

Do some water test also. I am winning the battle on a algae problem. My ca, mg and alk were low. I have a rodi unit and did 10-20% water changes every 7 days and use reefCrystals salt. It has taken a few months to reach were I'm at now and a lot of work but worth it. I use Randys two part recipe. Works great for me.

[Live Rock Ricky]

should we be asking what type of algae problem? is it hair algae?

[UTCreefer]

Check out Bulk Reef Supply, they have GFO and Carbon in addition to reactors to hold the media.

[Russdog]

Can someone tell me what GFO is?

[UTCreefer]

GFO is Granular Ferric Oxide. Its used to remove phosphates and control algae growth. Try Bulk Reef Supply's, it works well

[kgross]

You are getting a lot of good advice here. Start with better quality water that you are adding to your tank, RO/DI, and add carbon and GFO, myself I like the bellaphos/rowpha better than the general gfo, but it works as well, and some carbon. If you have the space some type of an algae filter, either chaeto/caluerpa growing in your sump or a turf scrubber etc, to help remove the nutrients that are allowing the alge to grow.

Kim

[Doodaa]

Feeding with low quality foods (that contain nitrates and phosphates) and overfeeding any quality food can cause excess nutrient buildup feeding your algae also.