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Post by Carl on Dec 26, 2008 18:38:52 GMT -5
This is a moved thread
First, welcome to this group Could you please be more specific as to what kind of algae bloom you have and if FW or SW, in the water column or on the decor/plants/etc. Also please post as many water parameters as possible such as (I am also posting recommended levels for a average community FW tank) *Ammonia/nitrites- 0 *Nitrates- under 40-50 ppm *GH -above 100 ppm (important for daytime photosynthesis as well as electrolytes) *pH - stable (not fluctuating) Please also reference these articles: Aquarium Answers; AlgaeFreshwater BasicsCarl *KH 50 ppm plus for a stable pH
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Post by donward on Dec 27, 2008 11:27:03 GMT -5
Water condition was good as far as nitrates ect. Tank FW.
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Post by donward on Dec 27, 2008 11:36:51 GMT -5
PH 7.2 Ammonia 0 Nitrate between 0 and 5 PH 7.2 Don't know GH
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Post by Carl on Dec 27, 2008 11:47:03 GMT -5
Water condition was good as far as nitrates ect. Tank FW. Tank 20x24x10deep fake plants with rocks. Been changing water weekly. Filter hangs off back of tank. Changed sponge charcoal white marble chips. The following days water started going green. Yesterday took out 2/3 water. Scrubed walls 1st soaked rocks plants in fresh cold water. But don't know what started algee bloom. History took over tank from wife. I was rinsing sponge charcoal and white chips cold water for 2 months without a hitch. Did i need to prep new fiter parts Have you checked ammonia or nitrites as well? GH, pH, KH? It is important to only rinse sponge filter media in used tank water or de-chlorinated tap water (never tap water) so as o not destroy nitrifying bacteria. What you have is an algae bloom which in he simplest terms is caused by large amounts of nutrients in the water column. You may also not have a well established by filter, not a correct electrolyte balance (which is why I asked what your GH & KH is). Wonder Shells can help with electrolytes (& water clarity as well). Redox may also be an issue as well, but I would not try and dump this more complex issue on you right away, only to say that improving your GH via Wonder Shells, and healthy water changes can help as well as controlling waste in your tank by lowering feeding and feeding foods that pollute less. Spirulina 20 and similar foods are good in this area where as super high protein foods or low end brands of fish food will only exacerbate the problem. I would strongly recommend reading the articles I posted earlier, including the Green Water Section in Freshwater BasicsBasically, lowering nutrients in the water column via water changes, and cutting back on feedings (using quality fish foods is also important), bring ALL your water parameters up (or down depending on the parameter) which includes electrolytes is a basic start. Adding to or improving filtration may be another step (what filter are you using?) UV Sterilization is also helpful for this problem. Carl
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Post by Carl on Dec 27, 2008 11:50:10 GMT -5
PH 7.2 Ammonia 0 Nitrate between 0 and 5 PH 7.2 Don't know GH These are good numbers, see if you can find out your GH as well. Also consider some of the tips I noted earlier (water changes, wonder shells, more filtration (especially sponge filters), and time. Speaking of Sponge filters, please read this article as well: Sponge Filtration/Filters; benefits & how they workCarl
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Post by goldenpuon on Dec 27, 2008 12:09:09 GMT -5
As Carl mentioned, water parameters are good to know when you are having issues such as a alage boom. Are your nitrates high? GH and KH (also called Harness and Alkilinity) are just as important as PH though PH in fishkeeping is what most people think of. Also, do you have a light, too much lighting can lead to overgrowth of green algae. On the other hand, poor maintance and not enough lighting can contribute to brown algae (also called brown diatoms) growing. Also, how many fish are in there and what type?
It seems like you're doing pretty good as far as maintance goes.
Hope that helps!
Renee
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Post by bikeguy33 on Dec 27, 2008 20:05:45 GMT -5
what we are all overlooking and not asking is the simplest question. where is your tank in relation to a window, and how long per day are your lights on?. algae requires photosynthesis, and decreasing direct light can help if this is the cause
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Post by Carl on Dec 27, 2008 22:10:55 GMT -5
what we are all overlooking and not asking is the simplest question. where is your tank in relation to a window, and how long per day are your lights on?. algae requires photosynthesis, and decreasing direct light can help if this is the cause Good point Bill! I have this point noted in the Freshwater Basics article as well (under corrective measures). Along the same line of thought, often poor lighting quality will alow free floating algae vs. healthy plants or other forms of algae. Cool White lamps or standard incandescent lights are no-nos. I will also note again the nutrients in the water column re very frequently a cause, so if lighting is not the cause, then lowering this via changes in feeding may also yield results. However I also have noted that often Green Water has many causes combined, so it may require multiple actions to solve this problem. This all said, Bill's (bikeguy) point is one that should certainly be looked at in the beginning. Carl
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