How can I control the yellow/brown algae in my saltwater aquarium???

Answer 1

The two things algae needs to grow are light and nutrients. If you don't have any macroalgae or photosynthetic animals like clams, corals, or anemones, just turn the lights off for a few days.

Nutrients are provided by nitrates and phosphates. Nitrates you can remove by doing regular water changes. These should be kept as low as possible in a reef tank, they an get to 30-40 in a fish-only tank, but I try not to let mine get that high. Nitrates and phosphates can both be in your tap water, so it may benefit you to get your water tested (by a pet shop, or get a report from your water authority). You can use pads that are put into your filter to help remove both. Another option is to use macroalgae to compete with the algae for nutrients. Here, you want to increase the amount of time your light is on, so the "good" algae will grow. The algae can also make a hiding/feeding spot for other critters in your tank. Also, check your pH - nuisance algae seem to prefer lower pH, macroalgae likes it higher (8.2-8.4)

If you want to try adding algae, get something fast-growing that's a good nutrient absorber - Chaetomorpha or Caulerpa are popular, although the last needs to be pinched back or it will overtake a tank.

Answer 2

Well first of all do you have corals or anemone in the tank? Turning your lights off always seems to be a good generic answer to algae however not when corals, inverts or anemone are in the tank. These animals need specific lighting. Turning off the lights can do more harm than just the funky looking algae.

Although unsightly the algae is not hurting anything. I usually run phosporus pads in my filter. this seems to do the best without effecting fish or other life forms. (I leave mine on for more than 15 hours per day with no algae problems.)

Answer 3

At the end of a cycle process in your aquarium you get elevated nitrates which are one of the foods algae loves. A single large water change at the end of the cycle to dilute out the nitrates and phosphates is good roughly 30-50% of the water. Doing weekly water changes to keep nitrates low. 40ppm is safe but 10ppm is best. Most people don't test for phosphates but can generally be kept under control with regular water changes. Use DI/RO/ or distilled water for water changes vice tap water can further your nitrate and phosphate reduction and will help keep your water quality in check overall. Snails and crabs can help remove some algae but the best way is to starve it of nutrients. Crabs and snails make great filter feeders and are great additions to a saltwater tank. For your lights 8 hrs is good for your typical fish only tanks. More than 10 is usually to much. Some fish and most corals need certian lighting requirements so be careful adjusting those times if you have those.

Answer 4

You dont give much information to go on such as how long the tank has been set up, what yor water is like, or what type of lighting you have but here are my best suggestions.

Keep you lights on a timer so they are on for no more than 8hrs a day. Keep the tank positioned away from direct sunlight if possable.

Check your water for nitrates and do a water change (or 2) if they are present.

If the tank is newly setup, your tank is going through a natural cycling process. You can add more live rock as well to help.

If established, with the lights on for only 8hrs a day and no nitrates in the water, I suggest a snail (or 2 depending on the size of your tank).

Good Luck!

Answer 5

Questions: a million.) How long do i'd desire to alter 20% - 25% of the saltwater? answer: i'd in all possibility do 5%-10% water differences as quickly as a week or as quickly as another week. some human beings desire to do vast water differences, yet thats not necessary. I do a ten% water exchange each and every 2 weeks or so. 2.) are you able to thrill provide me 10-12 properly matched fishes from finding Nemo action picture as tankmates? volume is considerable and likewise getting alongside with one yet another. answer: first of all, are you going for a reef tank or merely fish tank? "Nemo" is a clown fish, genuine perc, or fake perc. clownfish. The blue fish (forgot the call) is a blue hippo tang. don't get it till you're tank is waiting! It variety from $40 - $ninety. the different fish interior the aquarium that nemo replaced into in are actually not cautioned. The puffer isn't reef-risk-free and could consume invertabrates. the single with the scar is a morish idol, they don't proceed to exist properly in tank and could eventuall die. 3.) Are couple of stay vegetation and corals stable? answer: to maintain vegetation and corals, you ought to have stable lighting fixtures or they'll died. do a splash learn formerly you get into corals, it will keep you hundreds of funds interior the long-term. additionally: you're tank ought to be setup and working for no less than 3 weeks formerly you place something different than liverock and livesand in there. a lot of human beings would say that 2 -3 months would additionally be extra suitable. Do learn! learn! learn!!!! Saltwater aquariums are alot extra durable to maintain that freshwater! examine and consider formerly you start up figuring out to purchase, you will keep plenty money. on your setup, you do not want; a million Penguin 350 ability clear out a million Emperor 4 hundred ability clear out a million Eheim 2080 professional III You DO want: Powerheads (a minimum of three for water stream) protein skimmer (clear out liquid waste) attempt kits heater lighting fixtures: MH, T5, VHO, laptop (in case you choose corals)

Answer 6

There are three possible solutions.
1. Buy an algae eater and watch it do the work.
2. Buy an algae scrubber and manually scrub.
3. Buy the liquid formula to get rid of algae.

Answer 7

Reduce lighting
Add a cleaner crew
Check water for phosphates
http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/microalgae/a/aa092800.htm

Answer 8

get a pleco catfish or get one or two snails iif you dont want to use any chemicals