algae

[scooterB]

I have a 55 gallon fish tank and it is being overcome with algae. I have to scrape it about every 4-5 days. I have seen alage tabs for freshwater tanks, but not saltwater, do they make them for saltwater? If anyone has any suggestions please let me know. Thanks

 

[Boogiechillin]

Algae tabs and similar products aren't feasible in saltwater because they can throw pH for a loop, which could be very devastating to your livestock. Controlling algae is typically just a matter of controlling nutrient levels in the tank - what are your water parameters? Also, what kind of lighting do you have, how long does it run daily, and how old are the bulbs?

 

[kreblak]

If you have brown algae or green algae, I recommend turbo snails. I had some severe algae blooms when my phosphate levels accumulated, but after adding three turbo snails, I haven't seen the algae since. They go at it like lawnmowers, and they get everywhere! They have even managed to get the filter water intake clean...I don't know how, but they did.

What type of water are you using for your water changes? If you are using city tap water, then that is part of the problem. It conatins high levels of phosphates which can cause algae blooms. Try using reverse osmosis water, available from most any LFS for about $.49 a gallon. Also, if you are washing tank decorations in your dishwasher, then that can be a big problem, as dishwater detergent can contain huge amounts of phosphates.

Oh, and is your tank in direct sunlight during the day?

 

[votek]

Trocus or Tiger Trocus snails are very good at the same thing. They may be a little more expensive, but are very capable of righting themselves if they get in trouble.

Blue Hermits, Scarlet Hermits, and Miithrax crabs will all work wonders.

I suggest adding a cleanup crew, and see what happens.

If it stays out of hand - add a mithrax crab.
Still out of hand - add another.

Still out of hand, you may want to really check your water as stated above. Theres nothing wrong with going about solving it with water changes, however using RO/DI water could get very costly for you.

You may be able to control it naturally with cleaners, which I like to tak before getting into chemical/water changes.

Try these pages for more info...
http://www.garf.org/reefjanitors.html
http://www.garf.org/algae2/janitor.html

 

[scooterB]

Great responses

Ok algae tabs out of the question. I am a beginner so I am still learning. I have two long florescent light bulbs that run the length of the tank that are 2 months old. I don't know what type really. They are meant for the fish tank, in other words they are not regular. One is for the blue and other maybe green? I run the lighting 12 on 12 off. I use tap water but i have the solution to take out the chlorine and stuff. Thanks fo replys.

 

[OrionGirl]

You should contact your water utility and find out what your phosphates are for the tap water. This is probably part of the problem. A good clean up crew will go miles, however, in reducing algae. What fish do you have in there? Not all cleaners can be kept with all fish!

 

[scooterB]

I have a scooter blenny, a tang, some damsels (various types), about 5 hermit crabs, 2 turbo snails, and i forget the name of another he is a bottom feeder but has a small mouth with tons of different colors. in a 55g tank
thanks for the help

 

[OrionGirl]

You'll be fine increasing the number of cleaners that you have. More snails (get a variety--not all snails eat all algaes, or in the same quantity), hermits and maybe some mithrax crabs will make a big difference.

 

[scooterB]

Thanks, i figured i could have used more cleaners