Little Problem

[Kyle]

I have had my 55g saltwater tank set up for about 9 months now. At first I was real into it (but with school, work, etc) it hasnt gotten my full attention, I havnt boughten anything for it since probably november. I still of course do my water changes and such but I have a horrible algae problem. It started about 2-3 months ago. It has covered everything in my tank and at one time i got so fed up I turned off my light and covered the sides of the tank for almost a week. Afterwords I did a 50% water change and have to say there was not one sign of algae anywhere but a few weeks later it started coming back. Now I havnt checked my parameters in awile but I will tomorrow and post those.

[oldhead]

Definitely let us know what the test results look like. What method of filtration are you using?

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

What kind of algae is it?

[rageybug]

Algae problems usually stem for only a few sources. Too much light will definatley contribute but more often than not, there is too many nutrients in the water. Maybe you are over feeding the tank? Try 3-4 small meals instead of 1-2 big meals for the fish. This will help ensure that the food gets eaten. Rotting food will eventually turn into nitrates, which is more or less the same thing as fertilizer. Keeping up with water changes is key. Do you run any kind of protein skimmer?

By the way, what colour is the algae?

[Kyle]

Its green hair Algae, I defitnatly know its not over feeding theres only 3 fish in there that eat when I feed them and they dont let any of it get away from them and I only feed them 1-2 times a day.

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

What are your phosphate levels like?

[Kyle]

Thats one test that did not come in my kit

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

I'd recommend getting one. What are you using for water changes? RO/DI or Tap? Also, what brand of salt?

[Kyle]

Tap and I've always used Kent but last few times I went no one in the area had any and I've been using Instant Ocean

[oldhead]

Taking a shot in the dark here I would bet it's the tap water that is causing the issues. Grab that test kit and post what that looks like.

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

I was going to saw the same thing. I'm betting you have phosphates in your tap water.