Green fur all over rocks

alexfevery · 07-14-2007, 06:20 PM

Hello,

I have a small nitrate problem in my 30 gallon tank, that I cant seem to get down. But i believe its causing a furry green algae stuff to grow on the rocks and filter intake, and even on the inside of the vortex protien skimmer even though there are powerfull currents in there, and on the heater which i have no idea how it can survive the high temperatures. My poor reef lobster has it growing on his antennas and on his back. I dont think the tank is overstocked, just a small 2 inch fish, a lobster and an eel. the nitrates arent that high. only in the caution area on the test strip. i tried the extra bactiera, and the extra filter media. Is there an herbicide i can use that just kills plant cells but not invertebrates. I never use chems but i think i need to now.

tanks been up for 7-8 months.

thanks

Radom · 07-15-2007, 09:19 AM

What filter type are you using and what is your nitrate and phosphate levels? Also you mentioned using test strips, any strip type test kit is so innaccurate might as well guess your water parameters and you should never rely on them. Also how much light you provide for your tank and is the tank close to a window so even with light out it still getting ambient light?

alexfevery · 07-15-2007, 04:46 PM

no window light, just a actinic and florescent bulb over the tank.

nitrate levels are between 5-15 parts per million, its hard to tell with test strips.

I dont know phosphate levels. Il go buy a test for it.

until then, what can I do?

Radom · 07-16-2007, 07:35 AM

Partial water changes will help but not eliminate the problem completely untill algaes food source is eliminated (nitrate, phosphate). There are various phosphate eliminating/blocking supplements on the market. Your lfs should have few brands. I use the drop type (companys name have "Rx" in it, sorry but dont recall the full name and I'm not home at the moment) and I dose weekly 3 drops in my daughters 30gl biocube. Another thing, do you have adequate water circulation in the tank? If not then its possible to have "dead spots" where algae can really bloom. Also, if you have enough lr in the tank I would remove the filter media (or change it every 2 weeks if you absolutely must have the media) and see if it helps any (leave skimmer on 24/7). Last I would get a better test kit. Instant Ocean or similar kind that have all the basic tests in one package (ph, alkalinity, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite), and also get phosphate test kit. One thing I diod not ask what is the averate temperature of your tank?

alexfevery · 07-17-2007, 08:23 PM

my tank is arround 80

Ive done some water changes,
I havent seen any new growth for a while. hopefuly the exsisting stuff will die.

Im still going to get a better test kit.

thanks

Sarah84 · 07-17-2007, 08:32 PM

I had green furries all over my rocks.. etc.. my hermits cleaned it up nicely... and there's hardly an algea problem in my tank and it's only 2 months old.
Sarah