High Phosphates - Algae Bloom

I'm probably not right, but just in case, double check that the filter isn't in backwards (the one that slide in behind the wheel) I work at a fish store and you would be amazed at how many ppl have this problem, even after they buy Clarity, Algae Fix, Crytal Clear, etc.
- Good Luck!
 
Phosphates

I have the black side facing the aquarium as it says to do.

And the scenario continues. We are all stumped.

My LFS gave me some RO water to use as a test base to make sure my PO4 and NO3 tests were accurate. I tested the RO water for PO4 and it was negative, which is correct, so the test is working. I then tested my tap water which runs through a filter and it also tested negative. Then I added Prime to my water and tested it and it was still 0, so that wasn't it. Then I tested my aquarium water and it was 2. Now I have to figure out what is causing this jump in PO4.

I was going to get RO water to put in my aquarium to get rid of this problem, but if my water also tests 0, then what is the point? It has to be something in the aquarium itself. I did get rid of a lot of my fish today. I only have 9 neons, 2 corys, 1 bristlenose and some snails left, so that should lighten my bio load considerably.

The only other things that could alter this is the florabase or my lava rock, but I thought both were to help the tank, not hurt it.

Both of us have no idea what is causing this. She want to put a Potassium down in it so it chokes out the algae. Maybe that would level it out and with the bio load reduced, that would help?

May I should get rid of the aquabase or cover it with gravel so I can clean more effectively and help the PO4 load? Or maybe sand? Can you do that with Flora Base?

Also, get this, when I turn on the light the aquarium is green, green and more green. Put the water in a glass jar and it is clear? Any takers on that one?

I am open to any more suggestions or clues. HELP! :eek:
 
As far as the bio-wheel thing goes, I had to "fix" mine because the sound of the running water was driving my boyfriend nuts. Go figure.,, :rolleyes:

Anyway, I secured a piece of course black filter foam (I think it was one of the inserts for a canister filter?) so that the water hits the sponge and doesn't break the water surface so much. For nighttime oxygen when I turn off the lights, I have a small bubble wall.
 
Cool

Oh, I will have to try that. Yeah, the water does drive you a little nuts. Thanks for the idea. I was trying to figure out what to do without having to purchase yet something else. :D
 
Alright, for the PO4, do a 50% water change in the morning and another in the evening, then test PO4. That should bring the levels down.

As for the florabase, I don't know, I'm not familiar with that substrate. Is it supposed to be full of fertilizers? If so then that's a possible source, as makes it a bad substrate, IMO.

The water in the jar doesn't look green because the jar is much thinner than the aquarium. If the jar was much thicker, then you'd pick up the green. Or of course if your green water problem was much worse.

Give it some time now, having an algae free (which means low algae, not no algae) aquarium is about balance. These take time to establish and any changes take time to manifest. Give it at least a week, two would be more realistic. But let's work on getting PO4 levels lower right now.
 
Filter

I put the filter media on the end of the filter and the water is just about still now. Plus it is really quiet now. Thanks for the hint. :dance

I have done my 50% water change and I think I figured out where the PO4 is coming from. Fertilizer. Never thought of it before, but then it hit me. I will keep doing water changes until the PO4 drops and then my algae should disappear. Thanks Everyone for all your knowledge and help.

I have really learned a lot.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom