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MichaelStern
12-04-2002, 1:38 PM
I have a 120 g FO tank. The water return from my wet/dry filter comes out at the top of the tank, in two directions. This is the only water movement that I have. Should I add some power heads lower down? Will this help with the green algae that I have growing on my glass & coral skelatons? Thanks for the help.
gcvt
12-04-2002, 2:32 PM
How many gallons per hour is your pump pushing? Are the two returns located in the back corners of the tank? Or is it just one return?
MichaelStern
12-05-2002, 5:20 PM
There is one return that is split in two by a t-shaped PVC connection. The water shoots out in two different directions. The return is located in the back of the tank, in the center. The water goes towards each side of the tank.

The pump is an Iwaki MD70RLT. The plate that gives gpm is scratched out. I cannot read it. It is 1/4 HP if that helps.

I was curious if water movement lower down(i.e. using power heads) would help with algae growth?

Thanks for the input.:confused:
gcvt
12-05-2002, 6:56 PM
That pump pushes 1530 g.p.h. - great for a 120g tank. You could add a powerhead or two to increase water movement in the bottom of the tank though. Are you having problems with algae growing on the substrate?
MichaelStern
12-06-2002, 12:11 AM
Yes,

I guess I would call it a problem. The little bit of crushed coral I have on the bottom is usually green. The rocks (not live) and coral skelatons I have tend to get green also. See attached photo (if it works)

Any other suggestions to control the algae growth?
gcvt
12-06-2002, 2:14 AM
Just a few more questions:
1. How long has the tank been set up?
2. Are you using RO or RO/DI water for water changes and top off?
3. Do you have a phosphate test kit?
MichaelStern
12-06-2002, 9:39 AM
Tank has been set up over 1 year.

I do not use RO/DI water:( I use water from a dehumidifier.

I do not have a phosphate test kit. For a while, I was using a phosphate removing filter pad in my wet/dry, but it did not do anything.

thanks for the help

Michael
gcvt
12-06-2002, 8:47 PM
I'd start out with the phosphate test kit and see where your level stands. If you find elevated levels, you may want to consider RO or RO/DI water. It's probably cheaper in the long run to buy your own RO/DI unit but you may be able to buy RO water at your lfs or grocery store.