Green Tank Pics - Update

AJ_77 · #1 07-31-2002, 01:58 AM

Did you ever want to kick yourself? Today I was shopping for more of the carbon that I used awhile back, the Fluval stuff that comes in 3 bags, zeo-carb or something. (WARNING! WARNING!)

The only stuff I can find on the shelf, exactly where I found it last time, says "For FreshWater Use Only" and I cannot find my SW stuff anywhere. What gives, it was here before?? The only other is the bulk carton that reads: "Does Not Add Phosphates to Your Water." Uh-ohhh...

Holy cr@p, are you all with me? I used the phosphate-adding carbon/ammonia remover about 6-7 weeks ago, and then had a green water outbreak. That, I think, is how I had elevated phosphate levels until last week, the fuel for the outbreak. This is my theory, d-oh.

Well, I went with Jayson's advice and shut down the lights for 2 days over the weekend after running the Kent phosphate sponge. Then the 25w UV sterilizer was plugged in with a low flow-through (thanks Mitch). Yesterday, the water became noticeably more clear, and I held my breath.

Today looks like this:

LIVESTOCK UPDATE:
The clowns are amazingly active since it's been clearing. And hungry!
The Pipe Organ is flourishing, :D the Xenia is 2/3 there, the Colt looks a little flagged, the "Polyps from Em" are a-OK. Devil's hand, torch, and the colt self-frag bit it, though. Coraline is spreading in hundreds of tiny patches, hairy shrooms are still there, and pods are EVERYwhere. Man, those are prolific bugs - can anyone recommend a natural predator?

For all who offered support and advice, THANK YOU. I think we've turned the corner. For those who may wonder why I'm excited about this picture, check out this thread from July 16th.

I'm running some proper carbon tonight, sheesh. Another 10% water change too. What am I forgetting?? Kind of tired...

Alan ;)

EmilyB · #2 07-31-2002, 03:10 AM

That is so super Alan :D

The clowns are out to see the world a bit, lol..

There are certain carbons better for reef tanks for sure. I mail order mine for economy. However, I rarely use it anymore, unless I frag something in the tank or whatever.

There are definitely FW products not useable in SW. I remember a LFS person once actually writing on one of my Fluval media with a felt pen....not for SW....he said so I wouldn't forget...it was the ammo carb. So...

The polyps are green button polyps and here is a great polyp site of many I want to own:

colonial polyps

MitchM · #3 07-31-2002, 03:15 AM

:D :D :D :D

Oh, man!....Major DOH!

Funny.

Mitch ;)

stephane · #4 07-31-2002, 04:12 AM

Troy F · #5 07-31-2002, 07:33 PM

Glad to see it's on the mend. Pea soup does not a reef tank make [img]smile.gif[/img] .

As for the pod population, they sort of self-regulate their numbers.

Canadian Man · #6 08-01-2002, 04:21 AM

So much better looking Alan!

titus · #7 08-01-2002, 11:31 PM

Hello,

Ai ya ya so you have found and isolated the problem. Yes, some carbon gives an unbelievable amount of phosphate. This happened to me back when I didn't know better and used the carbon that came with my Marineland HOT Magnum canister filter.

I'm sure your green water will go away in no time. Let us know how it goes.

Titus

AJ_77 · #8 08-02-2002, 02:33 AM

Quote:

I'm sure your green water will go away in no time. Let us know how it goes.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">OK, Titus and others, happy to let you know that the problem is considerably better today.

I am so happy... :rolleyes: Looks a little bare though, don't you think? I will be patient - the tank is just 4 months of age.

The only problem now, is bubble algae. Is a Sally Lightfoot the preferred solution?

Alan [img]smile.gif[/img]

Canadian Man · #9 08-02-2002, 03:08 AM

:eek:wow Alan, a world of diffrence from a many weeks ago.
I am glad you stayed strong and didnt give up ;)

EmilyB · #10 08-02-2002, 03:28 AM

WOW....what the heck is that purple thing... [img]tongue.gif[/img] :D