Green Water?

[Reddog170]

I was not going to ask but, well I gota. Over the last couple days I have noticed that my water looks kinda green. I thought at first that it was a film of algae on the acrylic. But after cleaning it still looks green. I did a 25 gallon water change and that made a difference but the next morning it was right back. Now how do I fix it?
My params are this: Ammonia 0
Nitrites 0
Nitrates 0 to 5
PH 8.2
Calcium 390
Now I thought it may be from the Kalkwasser but when I talked to a couple other people they do not seem to think so. I changed all the media, phosloc, carbon, cramic, and filter sponge. I still have green water. Any ideas?
My system 100 gallon DT, 55 gallon sump, fuge. 18 watt uv sterilizer.
Thank you, Shaun

[Luukosian]

I'm by no means an expert, because I've never had it in saltwater, but I have seen a uv sterilizer and diatom filter combo clear it up in no time in freshwater.

Obviously there is something out of whack. Have you been adding anything lately like phyto or anything?

[Reddog170]

Phyto- one tsp once a week

[Luukosian]

hmm...well the first step to take is obviously quit adding the green liquid to the tank that is green ....other than that if you have access to a diatom filter I would go that route. UV will help but will take quite a bit longer. Something triggered this event, and I think the addition of the phyto was the cause. How long have you been adding it? I imagine if the algae in the phyto has no competition and nothing is eating it, it will just grow out of control.

If nothing is keeping it in check your system probably doesn't need it in the first place.

[DaveK]

Since your already using UV, it is unlikely that your problem is directly caused by algae. The UV would have killed that, assuming you have the UV installed correctly and it is working.

This sounds more like a build up of waste products. Are you running a skimmer? They can often have problems, and not be skimming correctly.

[Reddog170]

I have been adding Phyto for a couple weeks. The corals, mainly my candy canes, look better when I add it. My skimmer has been working overtime. I have had to clean it out every other day for about the last week. I did not add the Phyto this week as when I went to add it is when I noticed the water looking kinda green. This morning I found that I am starting to get an algae bloom. I am just not real sure. I am going to take some of the water to my LFS as they can test for more than I can. Shaun

[BLAKEJOHN]

Well Shaun.,, Onece you gett over this issue I think you will be Able to handle any situation form here on out. Seems as if you have delt with everyting under the sun.

[Reddog170]

It would seem that way. But I am sure that I have not met every problem. Talking with my wife this morning and she reminded me that on the tank tour there was someone else dealing with green water. If I can remember who I will give them a call. On a positive note I have a pod population that seems to be almost out of control, my little manderin eats a lot of them though. Shaun