how can i get rid of this i dont have my light on much if barely i have 1 damsel and live rock i have a 20 gal high tank i have some snails but they arent doing to well any ideas on stuff to put in any chemicals or creatures>??
2007-07-11 17:50:18 · 6 answers · asked by glock310 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
i had the same issue not to long ago and i finally invested in the RO/DI tap water filter and added a phospate sponge and a phosphate songe filter media in place of one of the carbon bags in my canister filter then i cover the rest of the tank so the only light coming in was from my hood lights. Within a few days it was virtually gone and has yet to return. Adding an algae blenny may help but the tank is kinda small.
2007-07-12 18:52:19 · answer #1 · answered by craig 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd stay away from chemicals as much as possible for saltwater. There are a variety of fish and inverts that will eat algae, but most are fairly specific in the types they'll eat. If you can identify the type of algae you have with this link, the number next to the name will correspond to animals at the bottom of the page that will eat that type: http://saltcorner.com/sections/guest/algaepage/algaepage.htm
Along with controlling light levels, you also need to control nutrients in your tank. This may just mean more frequent water changes. I'd advise testing (or having tested) what you're using as a water source. If you're using tap water, this can sometimes be a source of nitrate or phosphate, both of which are plant fertilizers, so adding more of tap water will not solve your problem. You might need to use a reverse osmosis filter, or buy RO water to use by itself, or mixed with your tap water. You might also try using a phosphate-adsorbing pad in your filter.
See this link for more suggestions on algae control: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/algaeconMar.htm
2007-07-11 18:04:37 · answer #2 · answered by copperhead 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a 12 gallon Nano cube and I had the same problem, I did just as Orstes19 suggested you do. The blue leg crabs and the snails have done an excellent job. I was totally amazed. The live rock never looked cleaner. I use a scrapper for the glass now and then, but I leave a little for the snails. Don't let anyone tell you that a 10 gallon is too small, it just take dedication and work. Also, never, never use tap water, RO or distilled is the only way to go.
2016-05-20 03:14:19 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you don't have any coral or anything that needs light just leave it off for 3 days or get a Lawnmower blenny. It does get too large for a 20 gallon IMO. Also remove any dead algae you see after the 3 day darkness period. Check your phosphates, and Nitrates as well. These two will contibute to algae growth.
2007-07-11 18:07:19 · answer #4 · answered by Ryan 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
try using RO water, turning the lights off for a few days or adding a timer to the lights, turbos are soem of the best alage eating snails, also you may be over feeding. what kind of water flow, 200-400gph total should help a bit too. or is the tank near a window or anything like that, also cover the tank when you turn the lights out, kills it quicker, but that is a short term soultion
2007-07-12 05:38:16 · answer #5 · answered by michael_j_p_42503 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would add a Lawnmower blenny and about 15 small blue leg hermit crabs.
Check your nitrates and phosphate levels.
Less feeding and use RO DI water for topups and water changes.
2007-07-12 08:27:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋