Algae bloom??

**fishymommy** · 06-27-2009, 01:29 AM

I have a new 20g long reef that has been running for two weeks now. It has been getting TONS of algae in all different forms. I'm not sure what all the types are called so any ID's would be helpful. There's bright green stringy algae growing on the walls, dark red/purple stuff that makes bubbles growing on the rocks and sand, and thin green slimy algae growing on the walls. What are all of these called?

Now, how do I help reduce all of this algae??? Is this a beginner tank bloom that will go away after the tank settles down? Is it like freshwater tanks where adding more corals (plants in freshwater) adds competition for nutrients so less algae can grow?? How long should I be having my lights (10,000K/actinic) going during the day?

Sorry about all the questions but answers to all would be WONDERFUL!!! Thanks for the help ahead of time!

fishymommy

**MCHRKiller** · 06-27-2009, 01:33 AM

If your reef is only 2 weeks old why do you already have livestock in it? Reefs preferably need to run several months IMO without fish to stabilize...especially if you just added LR as the LR will go threw a die out phase where alot of critters and junk on it will die. What are your water parms?

**fishymommy** · 06-27-2009, 01:46 AM

Ph=8.2, Ammonia=0, Nitrite=0, nitrate=0-5, Temp=79, SG=1.026. My lighting is a T5HO 4x24watt Current USA light with 10,000K/actinic/lunar lights.

**MCHRKiller** · 06-27-2009, 01:48 AM

My guess would be phosphate...heres a very informative article on the subject

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-09/rhf/index.php

Whats your phosphate reading?

**fishymommy** · 06-27-2009, 02:17 AM

I'm not sure. I hadn't known I needed to watch my phosphate levels for the corals until very recently. As soon as I can get to the lfs I will get the kit to test though.

**MCHRKiller** · 06-27-2009, 02:20 AM

Are you skimming? What equipment are you using on this setup? Circulation can also be a contributing factor.

**JaredCBell** · 06-27-2009, 02:56 AM

ya are you not running any power heads?

**saix88** · 06-27-2009, 12:38 PM

Originally Posted by fishymommy

I'm not sure. I hadn't known I needed to watch my phosphate levels

High phosphate levels is what causes hair algae.*stringy hair like algae*
Overfeeding is a major cause of it.

**ILuvMyGoldBarb** · 06-27-2009, 12:43 PM

These algae stages are all part of setting up and a new reef tank. About the only thing you can do to reduce them is keep no fish until they are past. Simply keep up with your water changes and get a decent CUC and you will be fine.