How do I maximize removal of green algae from sand bed and red algae from sand bed?

[edmund36]

I have a 120 gallon tank with wet / dry filter and protein skimmer which sits inside of the sump. I use PC Compact lighting about 8 hours a day.

I would like to know if anyone has suggestions on removing the red algae from the sand bed from my tank. It continues to grow. Also much green algae on the live rock.

My nitrates are rising to 10 -20 now, I do water changes, but I am apparently not doing enough. I use a phosphate filter media bag in the sump.

I am continually scrubbing off the live rock and scooping / suctioning the bottom of the sand bed.

Does anyone have suggestions on removing the red and green algae from the tank on a permanent basis? I have already tried Weiss Algae Magic and AZ-NO3 Nitrate remover.

I use Tropic Marin Pro Reef salt and I’m wandering if it contains too rich elements that may promote algae growth? Is there a different salt mix that may help reduce the algae growth elements while providing all essential salt water mix aquarium needs?

I would appreciate any suggestions and how to do them to keep my tank cleaner and reduce my nitrates. I have both Fish & Corals in this tank.

Edmund

[DrHank]

Edmond, your problem probably stems from several problems. You should be using RO/DI water for both make up and top off. Preferably from your own RO/DI filter. If you don't have one, I would consider it one of the best investments you can make.

You need to get your nitrates to zero. Water changes (using RO/DI for make up) are your answer here. You also need to check for phosphates (you have them) which also need to be as close to zero as you can get them. Check on a phosban reactor and phosban.

Keep your feeding to a minimum. Rinse any frozen food you use and be careful of flake foods (loaded with phosphate).

I wouldn't recommend Algae Magic or AZ-NO3, although I have used Algae Magic with temporary improvement. Most adatives merely remove dollars from your pocket.

To be of more help I would need much more specifics about your system and a complete rundown of your parameters. Hope this is of some help.

[edmund36]

Yes, I am already using the RODI water; the TDS reads 3 pre-DI chamber and 0 post DI chamber.

I only use the frozen food 1 cube every other day. Use full reef spectrum.

[jnohs]

i have had 2 major algae problems in the past and the first time i bought a sea hare and he ate very piece of algae in about 2 weeks easy. then he got killed on a power head. the second time i had an algae problem i just went to my lfs told them i did not want to keep the sea hare for long just till all my algae was gone. after he ate all the algae 2weeks i waited another week and brought him back to the lfs and got half back credit . but he was only 30 dollars and i was going to buy that chemical stuff that every all ways talking about but that was 20 so for an additional 10 dollars i got an animal to do it very effectively with out using stupid chems.

so if i was you i would get a sea hare. They eat a lot!!!!!! of algae. simply talk to you lfs buddy tell them that in 3 weeks you would like to return him . Even if you don't get some credit for the return. you still got rid of your algae naturally for 30 dollars in 3 weeks.

the reason i try to get the credit back is just for personal satisfaction.see when i got my credit of 15 dollars back. that mean i only paid 15 dollars and thats 5 dollars cheaper than ther chem and it works better.

most marine stores have a no return policy but they will take it back for free. so even if i did not get my return i would still do it for 30 bucks naturally opposed to 20 chemically.

please trust me i have found this to be the safest and easiest way to remove algae. since the second time i have not had another outbreak again.

i would recommend returning og giving back this spiceman because it has a huge apatite and will stave all most definatly after all the algae is gone. this thing EAST big time algae all types.

[blue_eyes53813]

Just a few ideas.. I've battled algae and you need to be persistant
1. increase water changes to 20-25% weekly
2.Increase flow.. Helps immensly
3.reduce feedings
4.run carbon and phosban non stop
5.Make sure skimmer is skimming correctly. Increase to get a wet foam.
6.Add a clean up crew , or increase if you already have one
7. Scrape off all algae daily and scoop out any floating algae with a net.

Algae will decrease but it will take time

[AQTCJAK]

Again & again red algae Cyno Bacteria Boyd Enterprises Chemi Clean it works it is safe & it kills the bacteria. If left un attended to it will kill the in habitants