Need expert help on water condition, not getting better.

[gotflames]

I have a 100 gallon tank that is 2 years old. I added too many corals at one time 8 months ago and almost lost a bunch of the tank livestock. I have done 1-2 water changes every other month since then and I still am getting brown algae blooms on the sand and the glass within one week of cleaning the tank walls ( SOME OF IT SHEETS OFF IN BROWN SKIN AND STINKS AND SOME OF IT IS LIKE A POWDER. IS THIS GOOD FOR THE TANK OR BAD?. I have a nice protein skimmer that fills up every 2-5 days with nasty waste and I have plenty of flow in the tank. I have tried carbon pellets for 2-4 days at a time once a month also. What do I need to do to stop getting the brown algae blooms on the sand and the glass every week?

Also, once I get this whipped, what recommenmdations would you make to get/keep my water crystal clear and in the best possible condition?


Thanks, zach
tzhill@bellsouth.net

 

[Guest]

wierd. sounds like you have a mini cycle happening.

hate to ask the normal question but what are your water readings?
Mainly are you using tap water?

 

[AndyH5512]

I would do more frequent water changes. Every other month is not going to cut it. I know it's not fun, but it's one of the best ways to keep things running smooth. You should also check your water for phosphates. Are you using RO/DI water?

 

[lando]

Welcome to AquariumAdvice.com!!!
Sounds like a classic case of cynobacteria. there is a lot of information on this site on it. Do a search for cyno and read away. The most common cause of cyno is excess nutrients in the water, like PO4.

 

[Brenden]

As Lando said, it sounds like cyano except for the powder part. Are you using tap water for your WC? Check your water source for PO4 as suggested. You need to do at least 2 large water changes a few days apart with RO/DI water and start a reg WC schedule. I bet it will clear up. Also what is your feeding schedule?

 

[melosu58]

Yes I totally agree that your problem here is your PWC schedule. I see all kinds of potential problems here from poor water conditions to high nutients to depletion of needed elements in your tank. I do a PWC of 15 20 % every week as do many others. I`m not saying it has to be done that often but surely more than every other month. Good luck getting it under control. Also welcome to AA

 

[indy]

What kind of filtration are you running?