Re: Algae Control

[Nervoustime]

Hello guys. I recently purchased a 24 gallon Aquapod with the 150w Halide lighting. I am running the light around 7 hours per day, but I am having issues with algae on the glass and sand. What can I do to reduce the algae? Also, does it make sense to open all of the gates on the back chamber? Thanks for any help.

[sasquatch]

Hey Nervoustime Welcome to RS!! I wish an answer was readily at hand for you,but. If you would be so kind as to start at the start with water parameters,whats in the tank, did it cycle. The algae is probably normal if the tank has just been set up so dont worry. Pictures are always helpfull and everybody here would love to help you so ask questions ok? Steve

[Nervoustime]

Thanks for responding sasquatch. It is a saltwater tank with all corals. I have no fish at this time, but there are around 10 small crabs. The tank has been running for around 24 days. The water has been tested, and it appears to be in good shape. Before Thanksgiving, I put in all five gates in front of the two sponges. It was after this that I noticed the buildup of algae. Do you recommend that I open those gates back up or leave them closed? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Reza

[cheeks69]

Since this is a new setup algae problems are to be expected particularly if you cured the live rock in the tank. It's very early to be adding corals as your bacteria is still in flux and it will take several months for it to stabilize. Which corals do you have ? How often are you doing water changes ? Are you dosing anything ? How much flow do you have ? Are you using a skimmer if so which one ?

does it make sense to open all of the gates

Not sure what you mean do those gates have a direct connection to the area of filtration ? If there's no harm I don't see why not open them.

[Nervoustime]

Cheeks69,
I purchased live rock that was already cured. I believe that the pump puts out 290 gph. Since the corals (mushrooms, brain, frogspawn) were put in very recently, I have not done a water change. Also, I am using a fission protein skimmer. I just wanted to see whether the algae buildup was normal, and if I need to do anything different.
As far as the gates in front of the two filter sponges, there are five open slots that can be blocked by using these gates. I didn't know whether the buildup of algae was caused in any way by closing these gates.
Thanks again,

Reza

[Snelly40]

ur algea bloom is normal, fission skimmer isnt the best but should be ok i would tink as long as ur bio load doesnt get too high.
i would recommend taking all sponges out except maybe one, this will greatly help out any future nitrate issues and one will be enough for mechanical filtration, just be sure to rinse it out once a week.
good luck

[ReefGuy69]

You probably have a spike in Algae from your recent input of the corals. The closing of gates probably didnt help, With the above recommendations and a water change you should see it start to get under control. We would love to see a pic if possible.

[sasquatch]

Well Nervoustime looks like you got some help! all questions are good questions, pictures are good,all the best Steve

[cheeks69]

Originally Posted by Nervoustime

I didn't know whether the buildup of algae was caused in any way by closing these gates.
Thanks again, Reza

The algae buildup occurs because of excess nutrients particularly nitrate/phosphate. Although your rock was cured it doesn't mean there's no dieoff still occuring or decomposing of dead material such as sponges tunicates and other fauna within the rock. I would hold off adding any fish until you get the algae under control. Don't be afraid to do large water changes just make sure to match temp. and SG and use the same salt.

[Nervoustime]

I appreciate all of the information. Thanks.