Algae Outbreak

[Guest Jetman2345]

My friend has a relatively new 150 gallon saltwater reef tank and I was wondering if anybody was familiar with blue/green hair algae on rocks, sand, or even an overflow box because when I set up my 180 gallon tank, I had red slime early on, but that was easy to get rid of, thisblue/green algae seems to be more difficult. I was wondering what anyone thought might be the best way to get rid of it. Thanks for any help, I do not know the exact water quality measurements, but I do know that the pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate are relatively fine. I also don't know how it could be the phosphates because he has an R/O......thanks to anyone who answers!

[lletellier]

My friend has a relatively new 150 gallon saltwater reef tank and I was wondering if anybody was familiar with blue/green hair algae on rocks, sand, or even an overflow box

 

sounds like hair algae from new tank cycle to me... not sure about the blue though maybe someone else can chime in on that. Also, does he have anything living in the tank right now, what is he running on the system etc.

 

because when I set up my 180 gallon tank, I had red slime early on, but that was easy to get rid of, thisblue/green algae seems to be more difficult. I was wondering what anyone thought might be the best way to get rid of it. Thanks for any help, I do not know the exact water quality measurements, but I do know that the pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate are relatively fine.

 

What does relatively fine mean? if they arn't at 0 or close to it that could be part of the problem

 

I also don't know how it could be the phosphates because he has an R/O......thanks to anyone who answers!

 

is this justin from S&H, if so I need to come see your tank

[davelin315]

In reefkeeping, there's no such thing as "relatively fine"... you've got to give us the numbers! Also, RO/DI will not necessarily remove all phosphates and most test kits, from what I understand, are not precise enough to measure phosphates accurately to the degree that is necessary in a reef aquarium. So, that said, the algae has to have a nutrient source somewhere, and any nitrates/phosphates/nutrients in the water coupled with light that is to their liking will result in their growth. List your exact numbers and you'll have a much more precise answer.

[Origami]

Also, BG algae (cyanobacteria) can thrive on a number of energy/nutrient sources. Nitrates, phosphates, dissolved organic compounds (DOCs), light.... High phosphates, by the way, is typically indicative of overfeeding. High nitrates could also be the result of overfeeding, an immature biological filter (you did say that your friend's setup is new, right?), bioactivation of some other media such as bioballs, filter media, or filter socks, or an overstocked aquarium.

 

In addition to your test results, it would be good to post your stocking list, too.

 

What kind (depth) of sandbed is your friend running? Are they using filter socks? Or a canister filter of some sort? Bioballs in the sump? Are they skimming? What kind of skimmer? Overall flow in the setup?

[Guest Jetman2345]

this is justin from S&H, and anytime you want come is fine, even if I am not there, my mom can show you the tank. Thanks for all the replies, I'm pretty sure I got it figured out for now though, talk to you all soon!