Out of control algae!

[Hookman]

Hey everyone. My algae is starting to dampen my spirits, but I won't give up yet. The back of the tank is covered in hair algae, my snails are actually making progress though. The sand has brown and a kinda bright green algae on it. If it is cyano, how can I get rid of it. I have been using spring water for top off and changes, but I used some tap water that I boiled for top off lately. The algae took off after that. I think the tap water was worse than the spring. The parameters are ok. Should I get a RO/DI? My tank is 5 months old.

 

[biotoxin]

hook,

Most ppl freak out when they get into the diatom/algae stage of their tanks but its a normal thing. You'll get brown then green and then probably red/pink near the end of it all, and the pink will stay around for a long time and probably turn into coralline. I have astrea snails that really tear up the algae they keep my live rock clean and im planning to get nassarius snails that stay on the sandbed and clean it. If youre really concerned id invest in whats called a critter pack. Its hermit crabs/snails/shrimp etc that love to eat that algae.

As far as ro/di its a really good investment and keeps your water clean. I dont know how clean your local water is but chances are its not that good. Funny how we keep our tanks using good water but we drink tap water . Boiling it doesnt really have a great effect, it might kill microbacteria but it leaves in trace elements like copper and other phosphates. Id seriously look into getting a skimmer if you dont already have one. Check your water levels a lot for calcium/nitrates/nitrites(if your cycle isnt over)/ph/ and alkalinity and keep on top of salinity. Other than that you cant really do much, i know it looks ugly with brown algae but its how the tank matures. Just gotta keep with the golden rule of salt tanks...PATIENCE, and also this forum is great for advice, many knowledgable ppl here.

 

[NaH2O]

I agree with biotoxin, RO/DI is a good investment. Also, a variety of snails, such as cerith, trochus, tiger trochus, astrea, nerite, and nassarius (for DSB) will help tremendously. Only add these if your cycle is over (ammonia & nitrite = 0). If you can't get your hands on a RO/DI unit, then you may be able to purchase RO/DI from your LFS. Just be sure to ask what their filter changing schedule is. Try not to get too down, things will look up for you soon!!