Algae Attack

JoeEdmark · 01-13-2007, 05:28 AM

What is the best way to rid you tank, or keep algae from growing? Is it possible to have no visible algae at all? I want a saltwater tank but HATE algae!

shawnbobawn · 01-13-2007, 10:38 AM

If you really want the least amount of algae just get really good clean up crew like a bunch of different algae eating snails and hermit crabs. don't know if you can eliminate all of it but you can make it very unnoticeable

Tommy Gun · 01-13-2007, 11:13 AM

Hey Joe! Welcome to the forum! Nice to see a fellow Wisconsinite!

In saltwater tanks, algae is basically a fact of life. In short, a cycle in a saltwater tank goes way beyond the nitrogen cycle that we talk about most in which we try to gain a big bacteria colony. I read a really long article on this once, and most of it was over my head, but another part of this complete cycling process are algea stages. Like Shawn brings up, it is pretty easy to control through some additions to a clean up crew.

I just want to point out also, just in case you did not know already, that not everything in a tank that looks like algae is truly algae. If you are having a really tough time with an algae that is growing really rapidly and taking over different looking types of algae, you may have cynobacteria. I recently had a bout with this stuff and it was a little tough to stop its progress, but now that I have learned more about it, I am having a much easier time with preventing it. I am not 100% sure if it is always the same color, but mine was a deep red or purplish color. It is known to a lot of people as blue/green algae, but it can be a lot of colors other than blue and green. In saltwater, I think it is referred to most often as red slime algae.

If you would like to know more about what type of inverts and clean up crew additions for more specific types of algea, let us know.

jd@ga · 01-13-2007, 11:25 AM

I agree with shawn, but the best way to keep your tank algae free or close to it, is keep your water quality high (water changes,tests, and tank cleanings, r/o or distilled water use). You can run a phos-pillow to take away the algaes food in a filter every now and then. Keep your tank 99% away from natural light (windows). Do a 72hour blackout about once a month. Check the food your feeding your fish (use high grade only) if you don`t your just feeding the algae. Run a UV on your tank it kills some algae. Some water conditioners promote algae growth try to keep away from using it at all.
Well if I missed anything I`m sure someone will catch it ! Hope this helps some.

Radom · 01-13-2007, 03:39 PM

Do a phosphate test and see what your level is. Basically phosphates act like a fertilizer so more you have the faster the algae will grow. And what Tommy, Jd and Shawn said applies also.

ahill3780 · 01-13-2007, 05:35 PM

You've gotten some really good responces on this one already but I'd like to jump on board and say a few things.

Having a tank without algae is not something that just happens, you have to work to that goal. Many people have beautiful tanks without any discernable algae in them whatsoever. Even though there always is going to be algae in the tank, through good maintenance and proper setup procedures, careful planning and good judgement you can minimize it to the point that it accent's the features of your tank rather than detracts from them.

Everything depends upon the effort you are willing to put in, and the effort needed is going to be variable depending on what kind of tank you are looking for (what you want to keep in it.)

If you read through my sticky on Cycling (first 2 posts) you'll learn that algae is a natural part of any marine aquarium in the beginning. There are lots of ways to reduce algae and rid it from the tank, but no sure-fire one-step "cureall".

Good water quality, proper stocking, proper cycling, and proper lighting all aid in keeping algae down, but there is so much more to it than just those alone. It's definately a learning process with a pinch of luck and a good strong willed effort to master, but it is definately possible. And you always know that there are others here and elsewhere that are willing to listen, advise, and help you along the way.

Welcome to FishTankForums! and I wish you the best in your endeavor to owning a beautiful saltwater tank! Feel free to ask us about anything you are unsure of, there are no stupid questions around here.

HTH,
Aaron

Tommy Gun · 01-13-2007, 06:07 PM

To add about the phosphates, you can keep better control over them by using RO or RO/DI water if you are not already. Most tap water supplies have some level of phosphates in them.

To go along with the feeding good foods to your fish, first, dont over feed, and secondly, most flake foods have phosphates in them. You can see this on the can or package listed as 'phosphorus' and usually in a percentage.