How to control algae?

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pkremer

Aquarium Advice Freak
Joined
Apr 30, 2004
Messages
479
Location
Fargo, ND
I'm aware that 10 gallon aquariums are notoriously bad for algae anyway, but I seem to be having problems on my rocks now. I have attached 2 pictures. Af first, I was just annoyed by the green "carpet" algae growing on the right rock. It traps bubbles sometimes, and I don't like the way it looks.

However, last week I took all the rock out for several minutes (10-20?) to clean the aquarium and do a water change. Now I am noticing white spots on the right side of the middle rock and on the back of the right rock. Could this be a little dieoff from the 10-20 minutes I had the rock out of the aquarium?

In any case, how can I control this "green carpet" algae growth? Also, the "brown hair" algae I seem to have trouble controlling on the crushed coral? Could I put some crabs and snails in there to eat it? If so, what kind? Would it be a bad idea to scrub the rock with a new toothbrush?

Paul
 
I dont see much of anything????
have you tested your water for phosphates, nitrates? how old is the tank, what kind of water do you use.
 
I don't have a phosphate test at the moment, but I do intend to get one. Last nitrate test was just over 20 ppm.

I had been using tap water initially, which I am sure is what caused this issue. However, the last time I did a water change I used 5 gallons of RO water from my local grocery store. I have also been using RO water for daily evaporation topoffs. I intend to get my own RO/DI unit in the near future. The tank is almost 2 months old now.

Paul
 
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