I have algae...

[MikeP]

My tank is fairly new (about a month). Brown algae is starting to develope on the substrate (crushed corel) and on the rocks and dead corel I have as decoration. Yesterday I didn't notice any but today it's quite noticeable. Is this normal? Can I add a clean up crew now? And what should I get to help keep algae under control.

Thanks for any help


PS I know now that crushed corel was not the best choice but I feel I'm stuck with it for a while until I decide to rearrange my tank one day.
Also had my water tested yesterday and they told me my amonia and nitrate levels were OK

[Kabong]

That's diatom algea and is normal for the first month or 2.
You could bring in a mix of snail's and hermit's if you want.

IMO I know it sucks but, I'd get rid of the crushed coral now before you get inverts, coral's, and fish in the tank.

[Moogled]

You should consider an R/O unit. they remove most of the silicates from your water, thereby limiting the amount of potential algae growth. I know where you can get good ones cheap too.

[MikeP]

Thanks for the info you will have to remind me what an R/O unit is though (I'm new at this). You can PM me with the info on where to get one and approx cost if you want or just post here.

Thanks again

[MikeP]

Originally Posted by Kabong

That's diatom algea and is normal for the first month or 2.
You could bring in a mix of snail's and hermit's if you want.

IMO I know it sucks but, I'd get rid of the crushed coral now before you get inverts, coral's, and fish in the tank.

I think I will. Should I go with sand? What kind? Will changing the substrate mess up my cycle? Does anyone have a suggestion on where to get the right sand in Calgary?

Thanks

[Kabong]

You can use a argonite based sand which will help buffer your tank, This is your most often used sand. Usually bought under the Carib-Sea brand name at your LFS
Or you can use a silica based sand which wont buffer but is generally cheaper. It's not used as often and you must make sure that it's a pure silica based sand. You can get it at garden shops, pool shops, or Home depot.

All my tanks have silica based sand in them so i cant really comment on the "buffering" effect of argonite.

Yes changing out the crushed coral will probably start a small cycle again, which is why its best to do in now.

[DanG]

Originally Posted by MikeP

Thanks for the info you will have to remind me what an R/O unit is though (I'm new at this). You can PM me with the info on where to get one and approx cost if you want or just post here.

Thanks again

An RO/DI unit is a reverse osmosis/de ionization water maker. It hooks up to your cold water and drain lines under the sink, or with a faucet adapter if you don't want it semi-perminant. It will filter the water coming out of the tap from upwards of several hundred parts per million (PPM) down to 0-1ppm, removing all the dissolved solids in the water, choloriene, phosphates, etc.
Aquasafe has one of the best reps out there, at least on this board. The easiest place to get one is on ebay. They ship from canada, so they don't ding you duty and customs.

If you do a search on the board, you will find tons of info on them.

[albert_dao]

I find the Aquasafe units to be pretty... ghetto in construction.

[EmilyB]

I'm sure you have a much better one then Albert, can you share some pics?

[albert_dao]

I don't have commercial rights on this board.

But let's put it this way: The Civic is an AWESOME car.. Until you drive an Infiniti.