Algae bloom

[nico]

Hi everyone,
Can someone tell me how long until the algae settles down?

Top-up water, what does everone use and methods i.e RO units or water treatments?

Cheers
Nick

 

[RothChyld]

I am not sure what you mean by algae settling down. Are you cycling your tank for the first time? If so about 30-40 days pending what you have in it.

I always use RO water for topoff and have had much success.

Mike

 

[Gealcath]

There are 2 things all Algae need to survive the same as most plants: Nitrates and Phosphates. If you are using tap water, you might want to check for Nitrates and Phosphates, also how long has it been set up?

 

[NaH2O]

I use RO/DI water. I agree with Gealcath, except I say 3 things algae needs to flourish: 1. P; 2. N; 3. Light. How bad is the algae, and how old is the system. Are you using a skimmer?

 

[nico]

The algae was normal but recently (last four or five days) it is getting really really bad.
The tanks is six weeks old and is running a skimmer.
A few people i talked to refuse to use RO/DI units because they remove too much trace elements etc from the water. Instead they use phosphate, nitrate, H/metal removers. But i think i will use one anyway from what i have read.
Do RO units use a lot of water? I mean.....how much of the water that goes into the RO, can be used for topoff?

Thanks
Nick

 

[NaH2O]

IMO, RO/DI is important in this hobby. You will be replacing trace elements when you mix your saltwater (assuming you use artificial salt mix). As the trace elements are used up, they get replenished with water changes. There are far too many nasties in tap water, IMO. I use RO/DI for all of my top offs and salt mixing. With your tank only being 6 weeks old, it will go through algae stages, just keep on top of your water changes. What type of algae do you have growing?

 

[nico]

Hi Nikki

I use NSW for water changes with added Seachem Reef Plus.
Cyanpophyta (green) and thick red slime.
I will buy an RO in the next couple of days.


Thanks again
Nick