Brown algae problem. Needs help.

... My Nitrate levels have skyrocketed for some reason... What should I do? Thankfully, all of my fish seem fine.
 
Mahlhavoc said:
While Phos sponges work, they are only temporary fixes to the real problem you have created yourself by taking short cuts or going a cheaper way or adding things you shouldn't have. Phos guards and sponges only add more expense than doing it right the first time in the long run.

I have never used such a product, I find the cause, and stop it, theres no use putting bandaids on something that shouldn't be there in the first place if done correctly.

Or you can look at it like this, you don't want to buy a heater for your house because of the initial cost, but instead run 5 space heaters that drive your bill up incredibly high. Wheres the logic? besides, some phos sponges can leach back into your system adding to your problems.

Fix the problem if you can, don't cover it up.
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Very true. But it works for now. I will be buying a new house soon, and I will be installing an RO unit.
 
Mahlhavoc said:
I have never used such a product, I find the cause, and stop it, theres no use putting bandaids on something that shouldn't be there in the first place if done correctly.
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Maybe you have not had an emergency. True, solving the root of the problem is a more efficient way to solve it, but don't make it dogma, Mahlavoc. When a phosphate sponge is needed, it is needed...period! :)

Kobesumo: Two pieces of live rock in a 55 gallon seems like not enough live rock...how large are these pieces? On the Nitrate: Look for dead stuff. Cut back on feeding inverts and fish. Do a 20% water change. Use drinking water from a supermarket, not tap water. Read the labels, as some are "from a municipal water source" - you don't want that one! I have had good luck with deep spring water. An RO unit is best... I just got one... Mahlavoc might have better advice on Nitrates than I have, as I am essentially a newbie.
 
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While Phos sponges work, they are only temporary fixes to the real problem
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Nope, no dogma, I stated they work, just not a perma fix. He wanted this settled once and for all, therefore would Phos remover be the answer? And I have used it in emergency. I was not repremanding, just trying to help people to see it is not a perma fix that might not understand otherwise.

Back to the subject, RO, water changes and plenty of water movement via powerheads or pumps of some sort would be your best bet while adding more live rock and changing any filters you have now would benifit your longer term.
 
Silicates

Do silicates in sea salt mixes have anything to do with it, but I don't think so since I looked at a salt comparison chart and all of them were high in silicates. If that were true, all people would have a brown algae problem. I use Instant Ocean. Isn't that a good brand?
 
New R.O. unit

I'm getting an R.O. unit today. A Coralife 25 g.p.d. with 3 stage filtering process.
 
I use Instant Ocean. I think it is fine stuff. Congrate on the RO unit. Mine should yield the first usable water today, after a 12 gallon 'cleaning/hydration!
 
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