How to treat algae-covered LR?

[GrimReefer]

I recently aquired about 40 lbs of LR covered in dark green algae. I'm keeping it in a dark bucket with a powerhead. Is this an appropriate way of dealing with it? How long before most of it has died of and I can scrub it?

[christyf5]

IMO, I'd scrub the rock and get some of it off before you put it in the dark. Gives it a bit of a head start. Don't forget to put a heater in the bucket to keep the good bacteria happy It will probably be about 4-6 weeks before you see the algae dropping off/gone, depending on how much there was on there to begin with.

[andrewsk]

Originally Posted by christyf5

IMO, I'd scrub the rock and get some of it off before you put it in the dark. Gives it a bit of a head start. Don't forget to put a heater in the bucket to keep the good bacteria happy It will probably be about 4-6 weeks before you see the algae dropping off/gone, depending on how much there was on there to begin with.

Sounds about right The only other thing I would add is that you should change the water at least weekly.

[DanG]

Would you need to change it completly? What about buffering for alk and ca?

[Werbo]

have the powerhead pointed up to agitate and airate the water to increase oxygenation

[andrewsk]

Originally Posted by DanG

Would you need to change it completly? What about buffering for alk and ca?

I would do a 100% change weekly using my standard water for changes. I cannot see why you would need to add Ca or anything else. There is nothing in there that needs/uses it. Plus most Salt has enough balance by itself for this purpose.

[StirCrazy]

Personally I would not do weekly water changes.. waist of money. Let it go for about a month then take the rock out into a different container of new water. then as crap accumulates on the bottom do it again.. every 2 weeks to 1 month type idea.

Steve