:mad2: :mad2: I just bought a 36" 192 watt power compact for my 30 gallon tank and now every 3 days it is covered in brown algea. So far I have reduced the lighting time from 12hrs to 8hrs and reduced feedings to almost nothing(I actually fear I my be underfeeding) Any ideas would be helpfull. I only have 15# of live rock will adding more help with reducing the algae? Also the local fish store showed me a "reef-safe" algae inhibitor. Has anybody heard of such athing? They told me they use it in there display tanks and the have tons of invert in them but I am still a little concerned on how "reef-safe it is. :help: :help:
Brown Algae
- Thread starter Devildog
- Start date
Check this thread - http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55776 - In my opinion, its better to avoid chemicals - more of a "last resort".
How many inverts and what kind of cleaners do you have? How long has the tank been setup?
Diatom bloom usually wear out the available nutrients. Regular cleaning to remove the shells, and a little time, is typically all you need to do for one.
Diatom bloom usually wear out the available nutrients. Regular cleaning to remove the shells, and a little time, is typically all you need to do for one.
The tank is 30g. For inverts I have 3 pepermint shrimp. About 7 assorted hermit crabs, 1 Sally Lightfoot, 2 Emerald Crabs, and 3 large Turbo snails. As far as fish goes I have a Coral Beauty and a True Perc. Now there is about 45# of live rock. Tank paramitors read perfect but the brown algea is out of contol. LFS has suggested a phospate sponge in my HOB filter but I not sure if that is the best coarce of action.
Please outline tank history and system goal.
This is not unusual my friend, especially in newer systems.
It's usually a temporary condition.
Reducing phosphates and nutrients will usually help, try the sponge.
Adding a quality skimmer or increasing to a larger more efficient skimmer may help, also dilution with water changes, but keep in mind your tap water could contain phosphates. Also make sure you are providing efficient water movement/turnover rate in the system.
This is not unusual my friend, especially in newer systems.
It's usually a temporary condition.
Reducing phosphates and nutrients will usually help, try the sponge.
Adding a quality skimmer or increasing to a larger more efficient skimmer may help, also dilution with water changes, but keep in mind your tap water could contain phosphates. Also make sure you are providing efficient water movement/turnover rate in the system.