What kind of Algae is this?

[jehenry89]

Some info to start, all my levels are fine I checked them a few days ago. The tank was started about 5-6 months ago. It is a 50 gallon with around 60lbs of rock. My sump is 20 gallons with a PSK-75 insump skimmer.

I currently have 3 small corals, a torch, a metallic green hammer and green star polyp. The fish currently in the tank are 2 picasso clowns, 2 Kaudern's cardinals, a royal gramma, 2 cleaner shrimp, a mix of snails, two purple fire fish and an engineer goby.

I have 2 Taotronic led lights hanging from the top. When I got my first coral, the lights were on a 12 hour cycle but I reduced it to 6 hours when I saw the algae start.

I am currently feeding my fish 1/2 a mysis cube at a time, 1-2 times per day and 6 days a week.

Any info would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

 

[dragonfisher33]

hair algae.

 

[jehenry89]

What is causing it and how can I get rid of it?

 

[jrcordero4]

Is it brown or green? I can't really tell through the pics.


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[jehenry89]

Is it brown or green? I can't really tell through the pics.


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Its a copper colored brown, sorry about the late response.

 

[dingusplease]

I see both cyano and GHA (green hair algae.) Often a sign of excess nitrates/phosphate, sometimes from over feeding or exposure to sunlight through a window. Test for these params, cut back on feedings, and do regular WCs. I'm sure someone with more recent experience will chime in. Good luck!


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[jehenry89]

I see both cyano and GHA (green hair algae.) Often a sign of excess nitrates/phosphate, sometimes from over feeding or exposure to sunlight through a window. Test for these params, cut back on feedings, and do regular WCs. I'm sure someone with more recent experience will chime in. Good luck!


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The last time I tested was on Tuesday and my Nitrates were 0ppm and phosphate was 0.2ppm

 

[jrcordero4]

.2 is high for phosphates. Get it down to .03. You can use a phosphate reactor to run GFO


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[jehenry89]

.2 is high for phosphates. Get it down to .03. You can use a phosphate reactor to run GFO


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I picked up some phosphate remover media, going to try that out and see what happens.

 

[jrcordero4]

Retest in a few days. Unless you have a media rack with great flow the it won't work. Best bet is gfo in a reactor. But hey, this hobby is trial and error. What works for you might not work for others.


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[jehenry89]

Retest in a few days. Unless you have a media rack with great flow the it won't work. Best bet is gfo in a reactor. But hey, this hobby is trial and error. What works for you might not work for others.


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It was actually really small. I was able to put it into my overflow box without having to adjust my pumps. Hopefully it helps. Ill keep you posted.

 

[spoonman]

You are feeding way too much. Cut back the feedings to 1 cube 3 times a week and the problem will subside. I feed my 75g 1 cube on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and I have a happy healthy tank with happy fish and corals. Also rinse the cube before putting in the tank if you can.

 

[Sillyfishies]

You are wayyyy overfeeding IMO. 1 cube every 3 ways is probably more then enough.

 

[Sniperhank]

You are wayyyy overfeeding IMO. 1 cube every 3 ways is probably more then enough.

I don't even feed a full cube every 3 days in my 55 reef. I cut them in half.

 

[Sillyfishies]

I don't even feed a full cube every 3 days in my 55 reef. I cut them in half.

I feed half a cube 2x a week on my 90g reef, I spot feed the corals and the fish get's the left over. My fish are fat.