Algae problem...need ideas on what it could be.

[Neogenesis]

Hey guys,

I'll apologize up front for the long post, but I'll try and lay everything out as best I can. I'm having a algae problem that I can't really find a source to. The algae I'm getting has a green base on the glass, but gets ling whispy brown tails that blow out into the tank. It also looks a bit like spider webs right at the glass. So water tests perfect. I've tested it as well as the LFS, dead on. SG 1.026 Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 0, Alk is a bit low, but I don't think that's a factor here. Noe the 0 nitrate makes sense as I figure that is fueling the algae growth. I've done large water changes, it slowed the growth for a bit but comes right back. I've reduced feeding for the last 2 weeks, no change. It's a 46G bow with a Saddle Clown, Pink spotted goby, and purple firefish, so low bio load. It's running through a 55g sump with skimmer, and a fuge wth cheato on reverse lighting schedule. I also changed all filters on my RO/DI 2 weeks ago, and I'm at 0 TDS again, previously it was up around 20 for a while. I'm not sure how long it was up that high as I don't test TDS every time I run water.

So....any ideas?

Thanks,

Scott

Here are 2 out of focus pics, I couldn't get the droid to focus on the algae, but you can see it.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii308/Cichlid-Wolke/Droid/2010-11-28_20-24-23_24.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii308/Cichlid-Wolke/Droid/2010-11-28_20-24-33_61.jpg

[marinelife]

I would guess some type of Diatom Algae
So strong flow and water changes to lower you silicate levels

[deuce2004]

Is that a thin coating of algea on your sand bed?? How much flow do you have in display tank?? If yes to ? 1 id say you need more circulations in tank! JMO

[Neogenesis]

#1, the sand does not have a layer of algae on it. It's turned that kind of dirty color after cycling and it's never gone away. I think it's the sand I used, which was just play sand. Question to #2, I've got a K2, a K1, and a off brand pump which is on it's last legs, so I'm guessing around 200gph for it. I'm going to pull it tonight to see what it's internals look like because my pink spotted goby thought it was funny to drop sand into it and watch it blow around for a while. I don't think I have enough flow for acro's, however I have to watch where I put my clove polyps or they dont' like to open up.

I think I'll drop in another pump tonight to try and get more flow across the front glass to see what that does. In talking with the LFS, he thought it looked like the cyano he is battling in their DT right now. Fingers crossed it's just a flow problem.

Any other ideas, let hear them.

Thanks,

Scott

[Neogenesis]

I'll also get out a better camera tonight so you can really see what it looks like.

Scott

[chromiumlux]

What kind of play sand did you use in this tank?

[Neogenesis]

Here is a pic of the playsand I used. I was to cheap at the time to spring for the good stuff.....I regret that decision. However it's what I used, it was purchased at Menards.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii308/Cichlid-Wolke/Droid/2010-12-02_21-55-35_700.jpg

And here are some better pics of the algae. Thoughts?

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii308/Cichlid-Wolke/Saltwater/DSC_3672.jpg


http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii308/Cichlid-Wolke/Saltwater/DSC_3671.jpg


http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii308/Cichlid-Wolke/Saltwater/DSC_3670.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii308/Cichlid-Wolke/Saltwater/DSC_3669.jpg

[chromiumlux]

I am not too sure about that sand my friend. There are only a few sands like thias that are safe to use in a marine aquarium and they are aragonite based. This sand could be feeding your diatoms, and diatoms thrive on silica. Might be a good time to rethink the sand choice and look for a better aragonite based sand for your tank before you end up with serious issues. Now, I aint no reef guru, but that is one part of your filtration that you do not want to skimp on. I have a 40g that I am getting ready to tear down that has a lot of live sand in it. A good rinse in some fresh tank water and it would be good to use. If you are interested PM me.

[Neogenesis]

I appreciate the offer, but I'm moving into a 180g soon, just got the foundation drilled last night for the basement filtration setup, so I'm not too crazy about dumping a bunch of money into this setup right now. I did however buy the good stuff for the big tank. Question, wouldn't I have seen this for the past 10 months "age of the tank" and not just have a outbreak like this now? I've never had algae like this in the tank.

BTW- all the chalices my sister picked up from you at the swap are doing great and they are extremely pleased. They are showing growth and great color.

Thanks,

Scott

[marinelife]

From what I understand with the sand it the silica base releases nastiest as it dissolves. This could be why it took so long to have issue with algae.

[Neogenesis]

Hmm.......what to do....what to do. I've got it in my frag tank as well.....sand that is. Is there a way to test sand to tell if it's safe or not?

[marinelife]

Yes I think there is, let me see if I can find that information.

[chromiumlux]

I think there is a vinegar test you can do, but not sure of the process. Would have to look it up.

[Neogenesis]

Ok, so I did some research, and the vinegar test is right, basically take your sand, pour some vinegar on it, if it fizzes, it's ok. Guess what......mine didn't. Not even a single bubble. So..........I think at this point I'm going to try and suck out as much as I can and run bare bottom till the 180G is ready. Not really what I wanted to do, but I really really want to be able and save some of my frags. Some of them, including my frag tank are starting to look really really bad.

Scott

[marinelife]

that sucks but glad you found out!

[chromiumlux]

Yeah, you got pure glass in that tank. get it out.

[ghurlag]

Ok, so I did some research, and the vinegar test is right, basically take your sand, pour some vinegar on it, if it fizzes, it's ok. Guess what......mine didn't. Not even a single bubble. So..........I think at this point I'm going to try and suck out as much as I can and run bare bottom till the 180G is ready. Not really what I wanted to do, but I really really want to be able and save some of my frags. Some of them, including my frag tank are starting to look really really bad.

Scott

This is good information. Thanks for sharing!

[starfishprime]

Definitely good to know, and also good to know to pay attention to what your sand is made of. It's unfortunate to have to learn from others mistakes but this is how we all learn!

[ghurlag]

Definitely good to know, and also good to know to pay attention to what your sand is made of. It's unfortunate to have to learn from others mistakes but this is how we all learn!

Agreed... Just glad it isn't/wasn't me this time :P

[Neogenesis]

So, I sucked up as much sand as I could while doing a 10g water change. I got maybe a 1/3rd o of it out, which I'm not sure if that will make a difference or not, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. My goby is mad as I collapsed his cave, and I had to some stuff so it didn't get damaged. Fingers crossed that it all pops back.

That's the update for tonight. I'll wait a few days and do another batch.