green algae outbreak

robzilla · #1 03-21-2005, 10:33 PM

i'm having a green algae outbreak, the one that covers the glass. i understand this part of the cycle and since ive installed a mh lighting this cycle is being amplied. how long does it last?
ive switched today to ro water....and ive got the lights at 6hours per day.
and any tips to help get it under control

thanks

richtg · #2 03-21-2005, 11:01 PM

Algae cycles can be long battles. I recomend slowly building the cycle time when switching to MH (reduce for a start). Also, I've found that if you find foods low in phosphates and feed sparingly, it helps. Also, regular waterchanges with ro coupled with strong nutrient export (skimmer) should help. Excess CO2 will also contribute to the problem. Trying to find ways to saturate the water with more O2 as well as a reverse lighting schedule (sump) are more weapons to fight the battle. The end result, in my experience is to play the waiting game and let your tank strike an equilibrium, as most of your efforts might be in vain. Your call. Rich.

P.S. If you don't have any corals in the tank, you can cut your MH on-time drastically for a good start.

danny zubot · #3 03-22-2005, 03:00 PM

I actually triggered a cyano outbreak when I got my MH setup, I didn't introduce it gradually though. All you can do is keep the water and glass clean and hopefully it won't spread to your rocks.

BTW, are you sure its not green coraline growing on the glass?

robzilla · #4 03-22-2005, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danny zubot

I actually triggered a cyano outbreak when I got my MH setup, I didn't introduce it gradually though. All you can do is keep the water and glass clean and hopefully it won't spread to your rocks.

BTW, are you sure its not green coraline growing on the glass?

how do i tell the difference between coraline and algae?

danny zubot · #5 03-22-2005, 05:01 PM

Green coraline is just as hard as purple and pink. The difference is that it won't scrape off the glass as easiliy as diatom algae. Its rough and you usually will need to get in there with a razor to remove it from the glass.

robzilla · #6 03-22-2005, 05:14 PM

no. this stuff comes off really easy. use the foam side of scrubber and it's off...