algea

[slater666]

would appreciate some help? i have on 1 of my rocks some type of algea looks like grass is this bad and if so what would be the best way to get rid of it? my lighting is 3 40w sylvania f40/865D 6500k's 1 actinic 40w 1 coralife 50/50 could it be lighting? its a 55 gal, i have 60lbs encrusted indo rock, exenia,frogsporn, colt coral, hermits turbo snails, gorgonia's temp is 82deg no nitrate dkh is at 425ppm sal 1.023. any suggestions would be great.

 

[wade1]

I doubt its your lights as they are very weak and tend not to grow enormous amounts of algae readily. What is your pH at? If its below 8.0 that could be a likely source of algae growth (they love lower pH for some reason). Also, you should check phosphate, if you have any detectable, its probably playing a role. Ideally, to remove the algae, keep up with water changes with RO/DI water and good salt mix, use a good skimmer (it really does make a huge difference), and keep feeding moderate.

Wade

 

[Robin Goodfellow]

hi.
First, decide rather the algea is something you will want to keep. Check the ID section and search the web and see if you can identify it and make the decision. Then, either leave it alone, or remove it physically. Algea will come out of live rock if the rock has spore. There is nothing you can do about it. Some people like it, some people want a sterile "live" rock. :roll:

 

[klingsa]

Ah, the dreaded green hair algae. I had that for 6 months, and then it went away in a week when I renewed my bulbs. Different algae absorb different wavelengths of light. How old are your bulbs? I don't think you have too much or too little light, but it could just be that they're old. That was my problem, anyway.

Some other things to think about are:
1. algae eaters...any tangs or algae blennies in there?
2. are you using RO water or tap water? tap water adds algae "food" in the form of nitrates, phosphates, silicates, etc.
3. Do you have too many animals? Overloading can cause extra nutrients, and then algae.
4. Do you have a protein skimmer? That can get that crap out of the water.
5. Is the algae growing in "dead spots" meaning little water movement? If so, invest in more powerheads.

Those are my thougts. Believe it or not, I took an entire college course on algae. Crazy, eh? Actually, it was fun. I know, I'm sick. :lol:

Good luck!!
Sara