[sergeantbiggs]

My Sw tank is have been up for about 5 month, and now i have green algea that is out of control. It only seems to grow on the side of the tank. on the sand there is brown algea growing.

I have 2 hermit crabs in a 55G tank, and 1 sea urchant, do i need more?

What could this be cuased by and what can i do to stop it.

[Reefland]

Hi sergeantbiggs,


Algae is an affect of excessive nutrients in the form of nitrates. You should check your levels. In the mean time, what kind of filtration do you have? Also, how often do you perform water changes and with what kind of water?

[showfish]

Sounds like you have the same problem I have, only mine is red (Cyano) bacteria. I would recommend an aggressive water change schedule. It seems to be working for me. It's all about nutrient control. Also reduce your feedings to help reduce excess wastes. I have been fighting my problem for a week now, and with the water changes I think I'm starting to win. Good luck to you.

[queenangelRIP]

hmm i think ill have to try that i have been fighting the same problem exet with red slime green algae and that brown stuff one question i have head that it helps to decrease the lighting then i heard to increase it what shiuld i do

[showfish]

I have found that it is not about lighting, but controlling the nutrient content in the tank. The more nutrient build up, the more algae. Try cutting back on your feedings, increase the frequency of your water changes with good RO/DI water, and test your nitrate and phosphate levels. Also add a good protein skimmer if you do not have one already.

[queenangelRIP]

well i did buy one of the cheepest protien skimmers its a prizm and i just started changing my water every monday and thursday between 10-15% every time is that enough

[showfish]

Yes, that is a good water change routine. You will see a difference. It only takes about 15 min. to do my water changes now, and it has made a tremendous impact on my Cyano outbreak. Well worth the effort.

[FishPharmD]

showfish....

I'm also having green hair algae infestation. I slacked off on tank maintenance for a few months and now I'm paying the price.

1. My VHO bulbs were 2 years old (now changed, new ones 3 weeks ago)
2. Original nitrates were 80-100 (WOWZERS), (3) serial 40% water changes spaced 2 days apart have brought down to 15-20.
3. Phosphates 0.5, using PhosGuard and phosphate binding sponges for filter
4. Have an AquaC Remora Pro skimmer + HOB power filter.
5. Feeding my reef tank and fish 2 cubes of frozen brine/mysis daily plus 15cc of DTs 3 times weekly.
6. Got 2 lawnmower blennies (sailfin?) and 2 emerald crabs a week ago on the advice of local LFS

Not seeing much results. Anything else I can be doing? Thanks!

[BubbaWPB]

Originally Posted by FishPharmD

Not seeing much results. Anything else I can be doing? Thanks!

Yes, picking as much algae out by hand that you can. If you wait for it to die, you'll be waiting a long time...