Sissy36 Posted September 4, 2016 Share Posted September 4, 2016 I got my algea bloom and I feel it's starting to get out of control. My parameters are: ph 8.2, ammonia and nitrite 0 ppm, nitrates are almost 10 ppm, salinity is .027, temp is 78. I was wondering if turning my lights off and lowering the temp a smidge would help. I have zero fish or coral. I have a small cuc. I'm still running it on a hob filter and skimmer. (Still working on the sump) Suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cliff Posted September 4, 2016 Share Posted September 4, 2016 What's your phosphate level? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cliff Posted September 4, 2016 Share Posted September 4, 2016 Btw. If this is a new tank. Don't do anything but add bacteria once a week. Wait a couple months before fish. This is completely normal for a new tank Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sissy36 Posted September 4, 2016 Author Share Posted September 4, 2016 What's your phosphate level? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk I don't know. I busted out my old test kit the other day and it had expired. Eek! Speaking of, what is a good kit to get?live long and prosper & may the force be with you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cliff Posted September 4, 2016 Share Posted September 4, 2016 They are cheap but I have had pretty accurate experience with the API kits from petco Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devildog1986 Posted September 4, 2016 Share Posted September 4, 2016 If it's a new tank. Throw some reef cleaners. Just don't go crazy like everyone always suggest. If your tank is barely done cycling, it's normal to see algae. If you have no coral or fish. Don't turn on the lights. That is normally the main cause of algae in a new tank. Is your tank fully cycled? How long have you had it up and running for? If algae is getting out of control, you won't be able to get a true phosphate reading. The lights being off, should help control it. Feel free to message me with any questions. And let us know, how long the tank has been up and running. That's really important to know. Good luck. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sissy36 Posted September 4, 2016 Author Share Posted September 4, 2016 It's fully cycled and has been for about 2 or 3 weeks now. Closer to 3. I'll be sure to keep the lights off. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devildog1986 Posted September 5, 2016 Share Posted September 5, 2016 Did you do a water change after the cycle was complete? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timfish Posted September 5, 2016 Share Posted September 5, 2016 Every tank is going to have algae especially if you don't have anything else. Algae and corals compete for the same nutrients. Remember, we can't test for any of the organic forms of phosphate or nitrogen. I would be adding fish and corals to help establish a mature system quicker. For some algae control your 20 gallon I would suggest a sally lightfoot crab and a few hermits crabs. Do not go crazy getting a bunch of "clean up crew", from my experience most will die over time, especially snails. Check BobbyB3's thread and Mike's algae thread. Most of my systems I only use basic sumps without dividers, skimmers, refugiums and reactors, you can see videos of them including one tha t doesn't have any external filtration at all by clicking on the youtube button in my signature. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sissy36 Posted September 5, 2016 Author Share Posted September 5, 2016 Did you do a water change after the cycle was complete? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk I forgot to mention that, I did do a 20% water change Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sissy36 Posted September 5, 2016 Author Share Posted September 5, 2016 Every tank is going to have algae especially if you don't have anything else. Algae and corals compete for the same nutrients. Remember, we can't test for any of the organic forms of phosphate or nitrogen. I would be adding fish and corals to help establish a mature system quicker. For some algae control your 20 gallon I would suggest a sally lightfoot crab and a few hermits crabs. Do not go crazy getting a bunch of "clean up crew", from my experience most will die over time, especially snails. Check BobbyB3's thread and Mike's algae thread. Most of my systems I only use basic sumps without dividers, skimmers, refugiums and reactors, you can see videos of them including one tha t doesn't have any external filtration at all by clicking on the youtube button in my signature.I'll go ahead and get my clowns, and a frag or 2 of coral, thanks. I can't log on to the actual arc forum because I use tapatalk and now i get routed there everytime. Can you send me a link to your YouTube video please? I'm really interested in it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devildog1986 Posted September 5, 2016 Share Posted September 5, 2016 Every tank is going to have algae especially if you don't have anything else. Algae and corals compete for the same nutrients. Remember, we can't test for any of the organic forms of phosphate or nitrogen. I would be adding fish and corals to help establish a mature system quicker. For some algae control your 20 gallon I would suggest a sally lightfoot crab and a few hermits crabs. Do not go crazy getting a bunch of "clean up crew", from my experience most will die over time, especially snails. Check BobbyB3's thread and Mike's algae thread. Most of my systems I only use basic sumps without dividers, skimmers, refugiums and reactors, you can see videos of them including one tha t doesn't have any external filtration at all by clicking on the youtube button in my signature. Hit the nail in the head. When you get a " clean up crew" it's always overkill. I hate marketing, lol. They eventually starve and your nitrated and phosphates spike like crazy. Try avoiding turbo snails, once they flip over and you can't find them they will mess up your levels. Trockus snails are my favorite ( I think that's how you spell it) if you do that another water change to bring down your nitrates. And limit the hours the lights are on. Your tank will be ok. As it matures more and more bacteria will develop naturally. Micro fauna will also help. Hit up josh. Avila he hooks you up. Good luck! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timfish Posted September 6, 2016 Share Posted September 6, 2016 Sissy, my youtube user name is timfishone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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