Sand Beds

[joey182]

I have a 55 gallon FOWLR and I have dark green algae growth on it is it because of not enough circulation? I have a fluval 404 that pumps 304 gallons per hour, and a long airstone on the glass. Or is it the lighting right now its just NO, but I am going to get a bak pak skimmer and a 260 watt aqua light.So I can keep mushrooms, poylps, and LPS. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[steve1s]

The fluval is rated at 304 GPH but once it contains filter media, that rating is usually reduced by about ¼. If the fluval is below the aquarium and needs to overcome head pressure it will be closer to ½.

I would recommend two power heads at opposite ends of the tank. One especially to target the surface for improved gas exchange.

How old is the set up? What is your source water?

Many types of nuisance algeas will normally plague new tanks. Once the nutrient feeding the algaes growth is eliminated, the algae should die out. Green algae blooms are more caused by phosphates and nitrates than anything else.

Is the algea more of a coating or does it have noticable length?

Cheers
Steve

[joey182]

My tank is 5 months old but I didnt add the rock until around two months ago. I just use tap water. But when I start a reef I am going to use Ro water. And the algae is more of a coating. But its a patch about 6"x6" on the opposite end of the filter. Oh yeah I am wanting to restart and get a biggertank and makeit a reef. I like two tanks the 90 gallon 48"x18"x24" or a 100 gallon 60"x18"x20" I think those are the tight dimensions. But I like both and am wondering which would be better for a yellow tang. I really appreciate all the help and would like any suggetions.

[steve1s]

The tank is still relatively new and the addition of the rock will have made it a little unstable. Tap water is not always the culprit, but should be avoided unless you can determine the analisys.

Most tap waters are lousy with metal pollutants as well as phosphates and silicates. In most cases if the tap water is the cause, using RO water will eventually starve the algae and it should die back. That combined with not feeding frozen food preparations will help. They are loaded with PO4's. Extra water flow will also help break it up faster as well.

What kind of clean up crew do you have?

When considering a tank for tangs the bigger the better but the main concern is length. Tangs need alot of swimming area. You just need be mindful when it comes to longer tanks that they sometimes sacrifice width, although the 18" is fine.

Cheers
Steve

[joey182]

My clean up crew is 20 astreae snails, 10 blueleg hermits, two serpent sea stars, and 1 emerald crab.

[steve1s]

Astrea's are good snails, but personally I have found Nerite (http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?siteid=23&pCatId=1472) and Cerith (http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?siteid=23&pCatId=1159) to perform much better.

Try picking up a few of those to see if that helps. You should see some results soon after using the RO water though.

Cheers
Steve