Need Help Plz.

[mcurrie1]

I have a 55 gallon tank with algae problems. I have a green powder that accumulates on all my glass. I have done a 10 gallon water change with R/O water (used tap in the past), completed a filter change about 2 weeks ago and cleaned them yesterday. The algae looks like powder once you clean it from the front glass but will return within 2-3 hours. In addition, my snails seem to be lifeless but are not dead. They cling to the glass but do not move. My PH was off a few days ago, but I have addressed that problem and my PH is now 8.2. Ammonia, nitrate and nitrite are no existent. I have been adding calcium, iodine and strontium & molybdenum. Please help! I am new to this and have over 1500 dollars invested. PLEASE HELP!!!.

Matt

Equipment: 110 Gallon Protein skimmer, 2 emperor 330 biowheel filters, Power compacts and around 20 pounds of live rock.

 

[mcurrie1]

FYI, 1 yellow tang, 2 yellowtailed damsels, 1 cleaner shrimp, 6 hermits, 6-7 snails and 1 crab

 

[boardsurfer]

Use RO/DI water instead of just RO water if u can.

If you have cerith snails, it is normal for them to be lifeless and just stick to the glass in the day (they feed at night).

You say u have been adding calcium, iodine and strontium & molybdenum. Are you testing these levels first?

Also, 55gal is kinda small for a yellow tang (sorry to bring that up :? )

I'd take out the bio-wheels in your emporer because they become a nitrate factory after a while.

Sorry, but back to the point- try getting more snails to make up a better cleanup crew. I'd get like 20 or more.

I HTH

 

[boardsurfer]

Oh, and how old are the bulbs for your PC lighting? Change those things after 6 months or so...this could contribute to algae.

 

[mcurrie1]

Power compacts are about 1 month old. I will get some more snails soon. However, is this build up of algea not unusual in a 2-3 hour period? My filters do move water to the front of the glass though.

 

[Phyl]

I get an algae dusting on my glass too and I feel like I'm constantly cleaning it. All part of the package, I'm afraid.

Has your tank only been setup for a month or are the lights newer than the tank?

Your tank would do well with another 30-50# of rock in it for better filtration.

 

[boardsurfer]

I just noticed your post #'s:

WELCOME TO AA!!!

 

[mcurrie1]

My tank has been running for around 3 months. Only had the lights for about a month. Algea is driving me crazy/.

 

[DeFeKt]

how long do u have the lights on?
not that i'm a salty but i learnt the "too much light in a day" lesson the hard way..

 

[mcurrie1]

lights are on for about 9-10 hours a day. I have them set with a timer. Is this to long?