Tanks gone bonkers

[Susie Q]

Hello again. My sisters and stepdaugher have been taking care of my tank for the past 2 months, while I've been in and out of the hospital. Well they only fed the fish and didn't do any water changes. so I've got several things I need help on. First I have multiple colored algaes in my tank. I have a maroon algae, a bright green algae, a black algae, and a type of algae that is a dark color and has bubbles. What do I do?

 

[ccCapt]

Without a pic, I would guess cyano and dinos......caused by excessive nutrients. Do you use RO/DI water?
I suggest siphoning out as much as you can while doing some 20% pwc's every few days. Running some gfo to remove phosphates and silicates would probably help alot too.

 

[roka64]

I agree, PWCs will get you back in shape in no time.

 

[melosu58]

I agree with siphoning out as much as possible while doing PWC`s. Read this as it has a good plan.

FantasyReef Databases-Viewing item "10 Step Plan for Nuisance Algae Control"

 

[lance]

Sounds like corraline algea , and unwanted algea mixed , is it hard or soft and slimmy?
Are the fish in any disstress?
What size tank is this and do you have a skimmer and powerheads?

 

[Susie Q]

Sounds like corraline algea , and unwanted algea mixed , is it hard or soft and slimmy?
Are the fish in any disstress?
What size tank is this and do you have a skimmer and powerheads?

Heres my specs
Tank Marineland Flat back Hex 18 gal 24" L x 12" W x16" T

Lighting/Hood Marineland 60hz 50wt\TT Floresent

Filters Whisper 10-30i with biofilter
Biopro SK-40 airdriven Protein Skimmer (they removed
at one point but now running)
Live sand 20 lbs
appx 2 lbs live rock (had ten but they thought it was dead
and disposed of alot of it)

Heater UL 100 watt

Powerhead Zoomed power sweep 30 gal wt prefilter (rotating)

 

[Susie Q]

Ok these are the best pics I can get. I've checked the water prams and temp.

Temp is 85
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 5.0
PH 8.4

The CBS and damsel seem to be doing fine. Is there any thing that I can get to help keep the algae down.

 

[Susie Q]

The algae is soft but hard to remove. The bubbles I already removed and it was slimy. I like the red algae so if its safe I'll keep it.

 

[melosu58]

The algae is soft but had to remove. The bubbles I already removed and it was slimy. I like the red algae so if its safe I'll keep it.

It`s not that unsafe but it will over run your tank and have it looking unsightly. Just read that article I gave you. It has a great and proven battle plan on algea.

 

[Susie Q]

Ok I've scrubbed the algae off. Now The only invert I have is a cbs any sugestions on what kind of cleaning crew I need?

 

[melosu58]

Just some examples


FantasyReef Databases-Viewing item "Nassarius Snail"

FantasyReef Databases-Viewing item "Astrea Snail"

FantasyReef Databases-Viewing item "Blue Leg Hermit"

FantasyReef Databases-Viewing item "Mexican Turbo Snail, Turban Snail"

 

[Susie Q]

melous58,
Thank you so much. I went to the lfs today, and they didn't have any snails or crabs. They suggested a chocolate chip starfish, When I looked at them one looked like it was eating a fish, and I've learned my lesson on buying from them without checking out things first. In addition to what you suggested, would any of these be advisable: a neon goby, scooter blenny, serpant star, or a sallylight foot. Also would these be compatible with my CBS, damsel and clown.

 

[melosu58]

The chocolate chip star is not coral or anenome safe so if you plan on having corals then you should skip the CC star. I`ve had a salley light foot crab several times and they were excellent janitors in my tank but I have heard others say they had one that was aggressive with other fish. I never saw that with mine but I dont want to discount the experience of others. IMO they are great janitors and reef safe to boot. As far as a goby if you are talking about the 46 gallon tank a bullet goby would be a good clean up crew member. They spend all day sifting and keep your sand pretty clean. I have a black sailfin Blenny and they are good additions because they pick at the rock keeping it clean. Mine in the pic is 8 yrs old. Never had a scooter, Sorry. I`ve heard mixed results with the serpant stars. Some have had no problem with them while others have had them go after small fish. Here are some more links on those I mentioned.

FantasyReef Databases-Viewing item "Bullet Goby"

FantasyReef Databases-Viewing item "Black Sailfin Blenny,Brown Coral Blenny"

FantasyReef Databases-Viewing item "Sally Lightfoot Crab"

FantasyReef Databases-Viewing item "Fancy Red Serpent Star"

Sorry I forgot the cc star.

FantasyReef Databases-Viewing item "Chocolate Chip Seastar"